Attempted Assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Fico During Official Gathering
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during an official gathering in Handlova, as confirmed by Slovakia's state news agency TASR on Wednesday. Deputy speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ľuboš Blaha, reported the shocking incident, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot after a government meeting, as reported by the country's state news agency on Wednesday. Several shots were fired at Fico, according to TASR news agency. The prime minister's condition was not immediately known, and Slovakia's emergency medical service sent a helicopter ambulance to the scene.
The shooting took place in Handlova, a town located approximately two hours away from the capital Bratislava. The government officials were gathered in the town for an off-site meeting.
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová expressed her condemnation of the incident, referring to it as a "brutal and reckless" attack on the 59-year-old politician. On Facebook, Čaputová shared her shock and extended her wishes for Roberto Fico's strength during this critical time of recovery.
Fico secured a third term as Slovakian prime minister in October, winning the election after a campaign that criticized western support for Ukraine. He openly expressed his support for the Kremlin and accused "Ukrainian Nazis and fascists" of provoking Vladimir Putin's invasion, echoing the false narrative used by Russia's president to justify the attack.
During his time in opposition, Fico developed a strong alliance with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, particularly in their shared criticism of the European Union.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico walks during a European Council summit in Brussels, on April 18, 2024.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico walks during a European Council summit in Brussels, on April 18, 2024.
European leaders quickly expressed their disapproval of the attack. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to Twitter to denounce the incident, stating: “I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family.”
And Hungarian Prime Minister Orban expressed his shock over the recent attack on his friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico. He stated, "We pray for his health and speedy recovery! God bless him and his country!"
This is an ongoing story and we will provide updates as they become available.
Editor's P/S:
The shocking
