Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia was the victim of a politically motivated assassination attempt, being shot five times in an attack that has been described as the most serious on a European leader in decades. The attack took place in the town of Handlova in central Slovakia, where Mr. Fico was holding a government meeting. Videos from the scene show the attacker stepping forward behind a metal barrier to shoot Mr. Fico at close range before security officers rushed him to a hospital in Banska Bystrica.
The prime minister underwent five hours of emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds, with doctors reporting that his condition had stabilized but remained serious. A suspect has been charged with premeditated murder in connection with the attack, with authorities stating that the suspect acted as a “lone wolf” and was not affiliated with any radicalized political group. The assassination attempt has been condemned by leaders both in Slovakia and abroad, drawing criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, among others.
Mr. Fico has been a prominent figure in Slovak politics for over three decades, serving as prime minister on two separate occasions and presenting himself as a champion of the common man and an opponent of liberal elites. He has shifted towards right-wing political views over the years, opposing immigration and aid to Ukraine, and has faced criticism for his government’s handling of corruption and attacks on media freedom. Despite being ousted in 2018 amid protests over the killing of a journalist, Mr. Fico was re-elected last year after campaigning on pro-Russian stances and promises of social conservatism, nationalism, and generous welfare programs.
The attempted assassination has further polarized the political landscape in Slovakia, with Mr. Fico’s allies accusing opponents of having “blood on their hands” and heightening tensions in the country. The attack has also drawn condemnation from world leaders, with President Biden describing it as a “horrific act of violence” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it “vile.” The shooting highlights growing concerns about the impact of polarized and vitriolic politics in Europe and the potential for violence in an already divided political environment.
As Mr. Fico continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries, the investigation into the attack and the motives of the suspect are ongoing. The incident has prompted calls for unity and a rejection of violence as a means of political expression, with leaders emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and respecting the rule of law. The outcome of the investigation and the impact of the assassination attempt on Slovakia’s political landscape remain uncertain, but it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of escalating political tensions and divisions in Europe.
