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Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Shot and Injured During Political Event

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Slovakian Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is currently in critical condition after being shot multiple times during a political event in the town of Handlova. The incident occurred outside the House of Culture, where the 59-year-old leader was meeting with supporters. TA3, a Slovakian TV station, reported that Fico was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired.

A suspect has been detained in connection with the shooting. Fico’s Facebook account confirmed the attack, stating that the Prime Minister is in life-threatening condition and undergoing emergency medical procedures. He is being airlifted to a hospital in Banská Bystrica, due to the urgency of the situation.

President-elect, Peter Pellegrini, a political ally of Fico, described the incident as an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy. The assassination attempt has sent shockwaves across Europe, with NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, expressing dismay over the shooting.

The shooting comes just weeks before the European Parliament elections, where far-right parties are expected to make gains. The major opposition parties in Slovakia, Progressive Slovakia and Freedom and Solidarity, called off a protest against the government’s public broadcasting plans in light of the attack on Fico.

President Zuzana Caputova condemned the violence, labeling it as a brutal and ruthless attack on the Prime Minister. Fico, who leads the leftist Smer party, had staged a political comeback in the recent parliamentary elections, raising concerns about Slovakia’s stance on Western alliances.

Thousands have protested against Fico’s policies, fearing a shift towards a pro-Russian and anti-American direction. The incident drew condemnation from leaders across Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Rachel Adams

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