Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is currently in critical condition after being shot in a small town north-east of Bratislava.
The incident, which took place in Handlova, about 112 miles from the capital, occurred as Mr. Fico was greeting people in front of a cultural community center.
The alleged assailant, who has not been formally identified, was detained at the scene by authorities. The footage of the attack showed the man raising a gun and firing at the prime minister before being subdued by bodyguards.
Mr. Fico, 59, was airlifted to a nearby hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Banska Bystrica for further treatment. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba expressed optimism that Mr. Fico would survive.
The attack has been deemed as politically motivated, with Deputy Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok attributing it to the spread of hate speech on social media. He also warned against responding to hate with hate and assured protection for constitutional officials, journalists, and public figures.
President-elect Peter Pellegrini, a political ally of Mr. Fico, described the incident as an “unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy” and emphasized the need to express disagreement through constructive and legal means.
World leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have condemned the attack and offered assistance. European Council President Charles Michel echoed the sentiments, stating that violence and such attacks could not be justified under any circumstances.
Mr. Fico’s tenure as prime minister has been marked by controversy, with recent decisions such as halting military aid to Ukraine and plans to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS sparking public outcry. Thousands of Slovaks have protested against these reforms, leading to heightened political tensions in the country.
The shooting of Mr. Fico has sent shockwaves through Slovakia, with many calling for unity and a rejection of violence in the political sphere.
