Slovak PM Survives Assassination Bid: Updates on Fico's Recovery
The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has emerged from a harrowing ordeal following an assassination attempt, according to Reuters. ](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/shooting-after-slovak-government-meeting-tasr-agency-reports-2024-05-15/)
Reports indicate that he is no longer in critical condition after being shot multiple times while leaving a government session on Wednesday. The attack, which left Fico initially gravely injured, led to urgent surgery later that evening.
Speaking on the BBC's Newshour program, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment, Tomas Taraba, expressed profound shock over the incident. However, he provided reassurance, stating, "I was very shocked... fortunately, as far as I know, the operation went well - and I believe he will ultimately survive... he is not in a life-threatening situation at the moment."
Taraba detailed the extent of Fico's injuries, mentioning that one bullet had passed through his stomach, while another had struck a joint. Despite the severity of the situation, a source cited by the news outlet Aktuality.sk reported that Fico had successfully undergone surgery and was now in stable condition.
Earlier, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak had described Fico's injuries as "serious multiple traumas" resulting from multiple gunshot wounds. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok had similarly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, affirming that Fico was in danger of death while in the operating room.
Sutaj Estok attributed the attempted assassination to political motives, linking it to events following the recent presidential elections won by Fico's ally, Peter Pellegrini. The international community, including leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden, has joined in expressing shock and condemnation over the attack.
Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union, has historically experienced low levels of political violence. However, recent years have seen heightened political polarisation, exacerbated by events such as the presidential elections, which have further solidified Fico's grip on power.
Since reclaiming the role of prime minister last October, Fico's government has swiftly enacted policy changes. These include reducing support for Ukraine, engaging in dialogue with Russia, attempting to ease penalties for corruption, dismantling a special prosecutor's office, and modernising the public television station RTVS, despite calls for press freedom protection.
Fico's contentious relationship with the Slovak mass media has also been a focal point. His refusal to engage with certain media outlets, coupled with criticism from his party members towards media actions and opposition behaviour, underscores the ongoing tensions within Slovakia's political landscape.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
