Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico shot and rushed to hospital after ‘attempted assassination’
Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, has been injured in a shooting incident in the town of Handlova, roughly 150 kilometers northeast of Bratislava, following a government meeting. While specific details are still emerging, reports from TA3, a Slovakian TV station, suggest that the 59-year-old premier sustained injuries to his stomach, arm, and leg during the attack, although official confirmation is pending.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where Fico was targeted while meeting with supporters in front of the local House of Culture. A suspect has been apprehended, with visuals showing the individual restrained on the ground.
The aftermath saw Fico being rushed to Handlova Hospital, where initial treatment was provided before he was transferred to a higher-level medical facility. Reports indicate that Fico was conscious upon arrival and that his condition has since stabilized.
Officials have labeled the shooting as an assassination attempt, though further details about the incident and Fico’s current state remain undisclosed. A post on Fico’s Facebook page characterized his condition as “life-threatening,” underscoring the severity of the situation.
Slovakian president Zuzana Caputova condemned the attack, denouncing it as “brutal and ruthless.” Political figures across Europe echoed similar sentiments, expressing shock and offering well wishes to Fico and his family.
Fico, known for his political shifts between pro-European stances and nationalistic ideologies, has faced criticism and protests in Slovakia over various policy decisions. The shooting incident adds a layer of complexity to Slovakia’s political landscape, especially with crucial European parliament elections looming.
As investigations continue into the motives behind the attack, Slovakia grapples with the aftermath of this alarming incident, prompting calls for unity and calm amidst heightened tensions.
