Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Expected To Survive After Assassination Attempt

Posted by: lukwago J in World news May 16, 2024

In a shocking turn of events, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot in an assassination attempt after leaving a government meeting. However, there is some relief as government officials report that Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition and is expected to survive.

The incident has rattled the small central European nation and drawn condemnation from both domestic and international leaders.

The assailant, a 71-year-old man, shot Fico five times, leaving him initially in critical condition. Fico underwent surgery later that evening, with one bullet passing through his stomach and another hitting a joint.

Thankfully, the operation was successful, and Fico is now reported to be in stable condition. Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba stated that Fico is not in a life-threatening situation at the moment.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has identified the attack as politically motivated, suggesting a connection to the recent presidential election.

The shooting has sparked international condemnation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden expressing shock and denouncing the act of violence.

Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union, has historically experienced little political violence, making this incident particularly alarming.

Slovakia has witnessed polarized political debates in recent years, including the tightly contested presidential election that further solidified Fico’s hold on power.

Interior Minister Sutaj Estok called for an end to hate speech

Since his return as prime minister in October, Fico has swiftly implemented policy changes that have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who view them as power grabs.

These changes include scaling back support for Ukraine, engaging in dialogue with Russia, and dismantling a special prosecutor’s office.

Following the attack, Interior Minister Sutaj Estok called for an end to hate speech and attacks on social media and in the media itself. The incident has prompted calls for restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Authorities are investigating the shooter, who is reported to be a former security guard at a shopping mall and a member of the Slovak Society of Writers. His motives for the attack remain unclear.

World leaders have expressed their support for Slovakia during this challenging time. Russian President Putin, in a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova, described Prime Minister Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man, expressing hope for his recovery.

US President Biden offered assistance to Slovakia and condemned the act of violence.

The assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has shocked the nation and the international community. While Fico’s condition has stabilized, the incident highlights the need for political discourse to remain peaceful and respectful.

As investigations continue, Slovakia and its leaders will need to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the polarization within the country’s political landscape.

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