Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times, leaving him in a “life-threatening condition.” The shooting occurred in Handlova, and Fico was expected to undergo a medical procedure. President Zuzana Čaputová and President Joe Biden both condemned the attack, with Biden calling it a “horrific act of violence” and offering prayers for Fico’s swift recovery. Opposition parties in Slovakia canceled a protest against a controversial government plan in light of the shooting, emphasizing the need to condemn violence and avoid escalating tensions.
Slovakia has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing aid and assistance to refugees. However, Fico has stopped military aid and opposes EU sanctions on Russia. Critics fear that Slovakia under Fico’s leadership will shift towards a pro-Russian and anti-American stance, similar to Hungary under Viktor Orbán. Orbán expressed shock at the attack on Fico and offered his prayers for a quick recovery, while Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the violence and called for efforts to prevent violence from becoming normalized.
Fico, serving as prime minister for the third time, and his party won parliamentary elections in September 30 on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. Images showed a male individual being detained after the shooting, while Fico was rushed into a vehicle. The motive for the attack remains unclear. Reports indicated that Fico was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired outside the House of Culture in Handlova. Fico’s government had previously won a confidence vote in Parliament in November the previous year.
The shooting of Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised concerns about the future direction of Slovakia, leading to fears of a shift towards a pro-Russian stance and potential alignment with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. The attack prompted condemnation from both domestic and international leaders, emphasizing the need to avoid further violence and escalation of tensions. The incident has brought attention to Slovakia’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and concerns about the country’s political trajectory under Fico’s leadership.
As Fico undergoes medical treatment for his wounds, the focus remains on his recovery and the possible implications of the attack for Slovakia’s political landscape. The cancellation of opposition protests highlights the need for unity in condemning violence and supporting democratic processes. The shooting has underscored the fragility of political stability and the importance of upholding democratic values in the face of violence and potential threats to governance. The motive behind the attack on Fico remains a subject of investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting in Handlova.
