Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, was gravely injured in a shooting on May 15 in Handlova, a town some 93 miles northeast of Bratislava. The incident took place during a political event.
As of Sunday, May 19, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said that Fico’s life was no longer at risk.
Kalinak, who is Fico’s most trusted political partner, conveyed to the media that while Fico has survived the imminent danger to his life, his health situation is still grave and he needs to be under continuous intensive care.
Fico, 59, known for his pro-Russian and populist leanings, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen.
The violent event occurred near a local venue, the House of Culture, leaving Fico in a critical state and necessitating immediate medical intervention.
The incident took place while Fico was exiting a government meeting and interacting with supporters.
As per reports, the assailant, Juraj Cintula, aged 71, let off five shots at close range. The alleged shooter, who is known as a novice poet and critic of the government, was arrested at the scene.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok announced that the shooter acted independently and was politically driven, motivated by his displeasure with recent political developments in Slovakia.
Following the shooting, Fico was promptly airlifted to a hospital in Banská Bystrica, which was selected for its closeness over a longer journey to Bratislava. There, he underwent emergency surgery, which was deemed successful.
“The surgery was lengthy, but the Prime Minister is no longer in life-threatening danger,” Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky stated.
This act of violence has drawn condemnation from various domestic and international figures. Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova gave a televised speech to the nation, stating that an attack on the Prime Minister is an assault on democracy itself. “Despite our political differences, this act of violence is a grave assault on the foundations of our society,” Caputova said.
President-elect Peter Pellegrini, a Fico ally, urged unity and the cessation of inflammatory rhetoric that has escalated tensions in Slovakia.
Shock and disapproval were also expressed by international leaders. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both condemned the attack, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic processes. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden also extended their support for Fico’s recovery and called for a comprehensive investigation.
This incident takes on great significance as it comes just weeks before crucial European Parliament elections. Fico, who is in his third term, and his Smer party emerged victorious in the September 2023 parliamentary elections. The campaign was characterized by a strong pro-Russian and anti-American message, leading to concerns about Slovakia’s stance within the European Union and NATO.
In response to the shooting, Slovakia’s Parliament suspended its session, and opposition parties called off a planned protest. Leaders across the political spectrum deplored the violence and called for responsible actions to avoid further escalation.
“Violence has no place in our society, and we must come together to uphold our democratic values,” opposition leader Michal Simecka stated.
The attack has heightened the existing political divide in Slovakia. Fico has been a prominent figure in Slovak politics for over twenty years, known for his controversial views and provocative rhetoric. His critics accuse him of undermining anti-corruption endeavors and media freedoms during his contentious return to power.
After the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak in 2018, who was investigating connections between Slovak politicians and organized crime, Fico resigned amidst mass protests. His return to power has been marked by disputes, with his administration taking steps to dismantle judicial reforms and restrict critical media outlets. The shooting has brought these issues to the forefront, highlighting the deep-seated tensions within Slovak society.
Local residents in Handlova expressed their shock at the incident. “It’s unbelievable that something like this could happen here,” said Martina Novak, a local shopkeeper. “We are a small town, and politics rarely leads to such violence.”
In response to the attack, the Slovak government has announced an increased security presence, with enhanced measures to protect political figures and prevent future incidents. The Interior Ministry is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting, aiming to reveal the exact motive and any potential wider conspiracies.
As Fico continues his recovery, the political climate in Slovakia remains tense. The upcoming European Parliament elections will be a pivotal test for the country’s stability and its political direction. Observers are closely monitoring how this incident will impact voter sentiment and the broader geopolitical landscape.
A message on Fico’s Facebook account from his team expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and confirmed that he is receiving the best possible medical care. “The Prime Minister is in good hands, and we are optimistic about his recovery,” the statement read.
The situation remains uncertain, with developments being closely watched by both Slovak authorities and the international community. The shooting has highlighted the vulnerability of political stability in Slovakia, a member of both NATO and the European Union, and the challenges it faces in upholding democratic norms in a polarized environment.
