Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia is in critical condition after an attempted assassination on Wednesday. The 59-year-old leader was shot several times in the stomach outside a cultural centre in Handlova, a town approximately 85 miles northeast of the capital, Bratislava. Fico was meeting with supporters at the time of the attack.
Details of the Incident
At least four shots were fired during the incident, leaving Fico severely wounded. Authorities have taken a 71-year-old suspect into custody, but the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The government has not yet released further information about the suspect or their possible motivations.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
Following the shooting, emergency responders rushed Fico to a hospital in Banska Bystrica, which is approximately 17 miles from Handlova. According to a message posted on Fico’s Facebook account, the decision to transport him to Banska Bystrica was due to the urgency of the situation. The distance to Bratislava, the capital city, would have taken too long.
Political Context
The assassination attempt comes amidst heightened political tensions as Europe prepares for upcoming elections to choose members of the European Parliament. Campaigning has intensified in Slovakia and across the continent, making this incident particularly significant.
