Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was seriously injured in a shooting incident on May 15 during a political gathering in Handlova, a town approximately 93 miles northeast of Bratislava.
The 59-year-old leader, known for his populist and pro-Russian stance, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the stomach.
The shooting occurred near the House of Culture, a local venue, and left Fico in critical condition, requiring immediate medical intervention.
The attack happened as Fico was leaving a government meeting and greeting supporters.
According to reports, the gunman, Juraj Cintula, 71, fired five shots at close range. The suspect, who was described as an amateur poet and government critic, was apprehended at the scene.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that the suspect acted alone and was politically motivated, driven by dissatisfaction with recent political developments in Slovakia.
Fico was swiftly transported by helicopter to a hospital in Banská Bystrica, chosen for its proximity over a longer journey to Bratislava. He underwent emergency surgery, which was described as successful. Fico is now in stable condition, although his injuries remain severe.
“The surgery was lengthy, but the Prime Minister is no longer in life-threatening danger,” said Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation from both domestic and international figures. Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova addressed the nation in a televised speech, emphasizing that an attack on the Prime Minister is an attack 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, an ally of Fico, called for unity and a cessation of inflammatory rhetoric that has heightened tensions in Slovakia.
International leaders also expressed their shock and dismay. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both condemned the attack, underscoring the importance of maintaining democratic processes. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden also offered their support for Fico’s recovery and called for a thorough investigation.
The incident has significant implications, occurring just weeks before crucial European Parliament elections. Fico, who is serving his third term, and his Smer party won a notable victory in the September 2023 parliamentary elections. The campaign was marked by a strong pro-Russian and anti-American message, raising concerns about Slovakia’s orientation within the European Union and NATO.
Following the shooting, Slovakia’s Parliament suspended its session, and opposition parties canceled a planned protest. Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the violence and called for responsible actions to prevent further escalation.
“Violence has no place in our society, and we must come together to uphold our democratic values,” said opposition leader Michal Simecka.
The attack has exacerbated existing political polarization in Slovakia. Fico has been a dominant figure in Slovak politics for over two decades, known for his controversial positions and inflammatory rhetoric. His return to power has been marked by deep divisions, with critics accusing him of undermining anti-corruption efforts and media freedoms.
In 2018, Fico resigned amid mass protests following the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak, who was probing links between Slovak politicians and organized crime. Fico’s subsequent return to power has been contentious, 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.”
The Slovak government has announced an increased security presence in the wake of the attack, with heightened measures to protect political figures and prevent further incidents. The Interior Ministry is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting, aiming to uncover the exact motive and any potential broader conspiracies.
As Fico continues his recovery, the political climate in Slovakia remains tense. The upcoming European Parliament elections will be a critical test for the country’s stability and its political direction. Observers are closely watching how this incident will impact voter sentiment and the broader geopolitical landscape.
In a message posted on Fico’s Facebook account, 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 fluid, with developments being monitored closely by both Slovak authorities and the international community. The shooting has underscored the fragility of political stability in Slovakia, a member of both NATO and the European Union, and the challenges it faces in maintaining democratic norms in a polarized environment.