Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico Fighting for Life After Multiple Gunshot Wounds

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was in a critical condition in the hospital on Wednesday. After he was shot several times in what appeared to be an attempt on his life. The shooting happened after a government meeting in the town of Handlova.
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Reports say the suspected shooter was in a small group waiting outside the cultural center where the meeting took place.

Video from the area shows the prime minister, who was hurt, being quickly put into a car by his team. Before it drove off fast with him inside. Fico was then taken to a nearby hospital and later moved by helicopter to a larger medical center about 20 miles away in Banska Bystrica.

A statement appeared on Fico’s official Facebook page and his party’s website, labeling the incident as “an assassination attempt.” The message detailed that he had been shot multiple times and was presently in a critical condition.

The statement underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that the upcoming hours would be crucial. According to Slovak Labor Minister Erik Tomáš, there were no other casualties in the attack.

Fico holds significant authority in Slovakia as the foremost lawmaker. Unlike the president, whose influence is restricted, the prime minister serves as the pivotal decision maker at the helm of the government.

The official statement clarified that the Prime Minister was transported to Banska Bystrica. Instead of the capital city of Bratislava due to the urgent need for immediate medical attention. This decision was made because an “acute intervention” was deemed necessary to address his critical condition.

Handlova, the location where the shooting occurred, is approximately a two-hour drive from the capital, Bratislava. However, given the severity of the Prime Minister’s injuries, it was essential to swiftly transfer him to a medical facility. Which equipped to provide the specialized care required to stabilize his condition.

Therefore, Banska Bystrica, situated about 20 miles away from Handlova, chosen as the destination for his initial treatment.

The decision to prioritize the Prime Minister’s health by opting for the nearest facility capable of offering timely. Which appropriate medical intervention underscores the seriousness of the situation.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová confirmed that the suspected gunman involved in the incident had apprehended by the police. She assured the public that law enforcement agencies would provide further details. As soon as possible and urged people to refrain from spreading unverified rumors.

A video captured at the scene depicted several officials detaining a man on the ground. President Zuzana Čaputová strongly condemned the assault on the 59 year old politician, labeling it as “brutal and reckless.”

Expressing her shock, she extended her heartfelt wishes for Prime Minister Robert Fico’s strength during this critical period of recovery. Taking to Facebook, Čaputová emphasized her support for Fico and his struggle against the attack.

Later in the afternoon, during a news conference, President Čaputová reiterated her stance. Which asserting that the assault wasn’t just an attack on Fico personally but also on the democratic values upheld by Slovakia. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy in the face of such violent acts.

Following the shooting incident, Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok made a solemn statement. By declaring it as “the worst day of its democracy.” Expressing profound concern, he highlighted the unprecedented nature of the event. By emphasizing that in the 31 years of Slovakia’s democratic history.

Such an act of violence to express a political viewpoint had never occurred before. Šutaj Eštok took to Facebook to share his sentiments. Underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for collective reflection on its implications.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Maria Kolikova condemned the attack, characterizing it as “an assault on the internal security” of Slovakia. Kolikova emphasized the significance of maintaining internal stability and security within the country. After viewing the incident as a direct threat to the nation’s well being.

Her statement echoed concerns about the broader ramifications of political violence on the country’s democratic foundations and societal cohesio.

Eyewitness Describes Fico Shooting as Nightmare:

An eyewitness who was present at the scene where Prime Minister Fico shot described the incident as a “nightmare.” They recounted hearing three rapid shots, fired in quick succession. Likening the sound to that of throwing a firecracker on the ground.

Lubica Valkova, an eyewitness to the shooting incident involving Prime Minister Fico, recounted her experience to Reuters. As stating, “I heard three shots, it was quick one by one like if you throw a firecracker on the ground.” She described seeing Fico fall next to a barrier following the gunfire.

Expressing her shock and disbelief, the 66-year-old described the event as a “nightmare,” expressing doubts about the reality of the situation. “I think it is a nightmare, I’ll tell you I think I will not wake up from this,” Valkova remarked. Which grappling with the idea that such violence could occur in Slovakia.

Her emotional response reflects the profound impact of the incident on witnesses and the wider community. Which highlighting the sense of disbelief and trauma experienced in the aftermath of the shooting. Which shared her experience of the incident in detail. She mentioned that she had been taking pictures of Fico as he exited the building in Handlova, where the event took place.

Recalling the moment of the shooting, Valkova described hearing a sudden noise, initially mistaking it for a harmless prank like someone setting off a firecracker. This reflexive response highlights the unexpectedness and surreal nature of the attack.

Having arrived early for the event, Valkova indicated that she had been waiting since 10 a.m. local time. She expressed surprise that the police had not conducted searches on individuals present at the gathering, implying a potential security lapse.

Valkova remarked that attendees, including herself, not subjected to any security checks. Even though they would have willingly complied, stating, “we could have shown our empty hands.”

Valkova’s account provides insight into the atmosphere preceding the attack and raises questions about security measures at public events, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in such situations.

Alleged Ally of Moscow:

In a remarkable political resurgence, the controversial figure, Prime Minister Fico, secured a third term in office in October of the previous year. His victory marked a significant comeback, considering his polarizing reputation. Fico’s election campaign garnered attention for its critique of Western backing for Ukraine.

Central to Fico’s campaign rhetoric was a pledge to halt Slovakia’s military assistance to Ukraine promptly. Additionally, he vowed to obstruct Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, a stance that diverged sharply from Slovakia’s longstanding support for its neighbor.

Fico’s campaign strategy stirred controversy and raised concerns both domestically and internationally. By challenging Western alliances and advocating for a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy stance towards Ukraine, he positioned himself as a disruptive force in the region’s geopolitics.

The outcome of the election, which saw Fico secure another term as Prime Minister, signaled a shift in Slovakia’s political landscape. His victory underscored the resonance of his anti-Western rhetoric and highlighted divisions within Slovakian society regarding foreign policy priorities and alliances.

Fico’s return to power heralded a period of uncertainty and potential reconfiguration of Slovakia’s diplomatic relationships, particularly concerning its stance towards Ukraine and its alignment with Western powers.

Before the election, Fico openly showed his support for Russia’s leadership, particularly President Vladimir Putin. He blamed “Ukrainian Nazis and fascists” for provoking Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, echoing a narrative that Russia’s president has used to justify the military intervention.

During his time in opposition, Fico developed a strong alliance with Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban. They shared common ground, particularly in their criticism of the European Union and its policies. Their close relationship highlighted a growing trend of skepticism towards the EU within certain political circles in Eastern Europe.

Fico had previously held the position of Slovakia’s prime minister for over ten years, initially from 2006 to 2010, and then again from 2012 to 2018.

However, his tenure came to an end in March 2018 following extensive public protests sparked by the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. Kuciak’s reporting had exposed corruption within Slovakia’s political and business elite, implicating individuals closely linked to Fico and his SMER party.

The assassination attempt on Fico prompted swift condemnation from leaders around the world, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the importance of upholding democratic principles and freedom of the press.

In a letter to Fico, Russian Ambassador to Slovakia Igor Bratcikov condemned the “brutal assassination attempt” and urged. That those responsibl brought to justice.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her strong condemnation of the attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico via Twitter. She emphasized that such acts of violence undermine democracy, which is a precious common value. Von der Leyen extended her thoughts to Fico and his family during this challenging time.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his deep shock at the “heinous attack” against his friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico. He offered prayers for Fico’s health and speedy recovery, invoking blessings upon him and his nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed solidarity with the people of Slovakia following the appalling assault on Prime Minister Fico. He strongly condemned the act of violence against Slovakia’s head of government, emphasizing the importance of preventing such violence from becoming normalized in any country.

US President Joe Biden expressed alarm at the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Fico, describing it as a horrific act of violence. He extended prayers for Fico’s swift recovery and conveyed his thoughts to Fico’s family and the people of Slovakia.