Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Shot and Injured During Political Event

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.