Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Shot in Suspected Assassination Attempt
Shooting Incident in Handlova
SLOVAKIA’s pro-Putin prime minister Robert Fico has been shot in a suspected assassination attempt. The politician, 59, has been rushed to hospital after he was attacked leaving a government meeting.
Details of the Shooting
The alleged assassination attempt took place in the town of Handlova, some 100 miles northeast of the capital Bratislava. Four shots were fired – with one hitting populist leader Fico in the abdomen. The incident took place in front of the local House of Culture, where the PM had come to meet with supporters. The suspected assassin was filmed being overpowered and detained by police who have sealed off the scene. Fico’s condition is not yet known.
Reactions and Political Background
President Zuzana Caputova condemned a “brutal and ruthless” attack on the premier. During a three-decade career, Fico has weaved from pro-European mainstream to nationalistic anti-Nato and anti-American positions. Yet, for the last few years he has embraced a more extreme position, appealing to a growing anti-western and pro-Russian sentiment in his country. His campaign call of “Not a single round” for Ukraine appealed to voters in the Nato nation of 5.5million where only a minority believe Russia is at fault for the Ukraine war. Fico, who analysts see inspired by Hungary’s Viktor Orban, has said he has Slovak interests at heart and wants the war to end. Western allies and Ukraine say halting military aid to Kyiv would only help Russia.
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