Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico looks on during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany, January 24, 2024. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben/File Photo
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in a serious but stable condition following an assassination attempt, as confirmed by the country’s president-elect on Thursday. The incident, which occurred a day earlier, marks the first major assassination attempt on a European political leader in over two decades, eliciting widespread condemnation and sparking concerns about the increasingly polarized political climate in Slovakia and across Europe.
President-elect Peter Pellegrini, a Fico ally, provided an update on the premier’s condition, stating that although Fico is capable of limited speech, he quickly becomes fatigued due to medication. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak cautioned that it is premature to assess Fico’s prognosis, citing the severity of the injuries sustained from four gunshot wounds. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok confirmed that the assailant, charged with attempted murder, acted independently and had previously participated in anti-government demonstrations.
While Slovak media outlets have identified the shooter as a 71-year-old former mall security guard and poet, official confirmation of his identity is pending. The suspect purportedly cited government policies regarding Ukraine, public broadcaster reform, and the dissolution of the special prosecutor’s office as motives for the attack.
Law enforcement authorities announced heightened security measures around Slovakia’s parliament, media offices, and schools but provided no specific details about the ongoing investigation during a press briefing. Fico underwent extensive surgery for his injuries, which included multiple gunshot wounds, at the F.D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica. Hospital director Miriam Lapunikova described Fico’s condition as grave but stable, with ongoing intensive care required.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova urged for political calmness amid heightened tensions, echoing Pellegrini’s call for a temporary suspension or reduction of campaigning activities ahead of the European Parliament elections. Fico, a dominant figure in Slovak politics for nearly two decades, has been praised for his leftist economic policies but criticized for perceived threats to media freedom and the rule of law. His stance on issues such as Russian sanctions and arms supply to Ukraine has garnered support from Moscow.
The attack occurred while Fico was greeting supporters in Handlova, raising questions about his security arrangements. Neighbors of the suspect in Levice expressed disbelief, describing him as non-political and courteous. An undated video surfaced on social media featuring the alleged attacker expressing disagreement with government policies, particularly regarding the public broadcaster.
Fico’s coalition allies have denounced media outlets and opposition parties for escalating tensions in Slovakia. The largest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, swiftly condemned the assassination attempt and canceled planned protests, urging all politicians to refrain from exacerbating the situation.
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