Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia was shot multiple times during a government meeting, leading to a tense political environment with suspected political motivations. The incident has garnered both domestic and international attention and condemnation.
On May 15, 2024, Slovakia was shaken by an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico during a government meeting in Handlova, roughly two hours from Bratislava. Fico, 59, was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized in a serious but stable condition. The suspect is in custody, and authorities have indicated the attack may have been politically motivated.
Robert Fico, who was re-elected as prime minister in October 2023, has been a prominent political figure in Slovakia since its independence following the peaceful Velvet Divorce from Czechoslovakia in 1993. Known for his pro-Russian stance, Fico has faced criticism and protests over allegations of corruption and association with criminal elements. His controversial rhetoric has included conspiracy theories and nationalistic sentiments.
The incident has left Slovakia’s political landscape deeply polarized, with immediate reactions from allies and opposition alike. The attack has also drawn international condemnation from leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
