Robert Fico recently survived an assassination attempt, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in the country. The incident occurred during a public event in Bratislava, where a gunman opened fire on Fico's motorcade. Fortunately, Fico and his security team were unharmed, but the attack has raised concerns about the safety of political leaders in Slovakia.
This attempted assassination comes at a time when Fico's government is facing criticism for alleged corruption and authoritarian tendencies. His party, Smer-SD, has been accused of using state resources for personal gain and suppressing opposition voices. The attack on Fico further underscores the challenges faced by leaders who are perceived as threats to democracy and rule of law.
Miriam Lapunikova, director of the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Mr Fico was admitted, told a press conference that his condition "is truly very serious".
Tomas Taraba told the BBC that Mr Fico's surgery had gone "well" and "I guess that at the end he will survive".
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estoka described it as a politically motivated assassination attempt.
Mr Fico is a divisive figure at home - and controversial in the EU - for his calls to end military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.
Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond, and his return to power last year on a pro-Russian, anti-American message led to even greater worries among fellow European Union and NATO members that he would abandon his country's pro-Western course — particularly on Ukraine.
Fico's government has also made efforts to overhaul public broadcasting — a move critics said would result in the government's full control of public television and radio. That, coupled with his plans to amend the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor, have led opponents to worry that Fico will lead Slovakia down a more autocratic path.
Vladimir Putin sent a message to President Caputova, expressing his support and wishing the prime minister a fast and full recovery.
"This atrocious crime cannot be justified," Putin said in the message released by the Kremlin. "I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-willed person. I truly hope these personal qualities will help him overcome this harsh situation."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also denounced the violence against a neighbouring country's head of government.
In 2018, he and his government stepped down amid mass street protests after Slovakian investigative journalist Ján Kuciak was murdered along with his fiancée. Kuciak had been reporting on tax-related crimes implicating high-level Slovak politicians including some in Fico’s party, and his murder set off a political crisis.
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