Robert Fico : “71-Year-Old Suspect in Slovakia PM Shooting”

On Wednesday, 16th May, the town of Handlova in Slovakia was rocked by a shocking incident when the country’s prime minister, Robert Fico, was targeted in a violent attack. The assailant shot at Fico, resulting in life-threatening injuries that required him to undergo an extensive surgery. Fortunately, hours later, a government minister announced that the 59-year-old prime minister was now out of immediate danger.

This assassination attempt on Fico marks a significant event as it is the first such incident involving a European national leader since 2003, when Serbian prime minister Zoran Djindjic was tragically killed.

The political landscape in Slovakia was quick to react to the shooting, with politicians and leaders denouncing the violent act as an “attack on democracy”. The international community also expressed shock and condemnation, with US president Joe Biden voicing his alarm at the attempted assassination of Fico, labelling it a “horrific act of violence.”

As Robert Fico continues his recovery after being targeted with five gunshots, the perpetrator responsible for the crime, identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, has been apprehended. Cintula, known as a government critic and poet, had previously founded a campaign group against violence.

Unveiling Robert Fico

Robert Fico, who recently assumed office for the fourth time as Slovakia’s prime minister following elections last year, has emerged as the country’s longest-serving leader since its establishment in 1993. His tenure has been marked by controversial decisions, including halting military aid to Ukraine and advocating for the abolition of the public broadcaster, RTVS.

Known to be an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fico has often blamed “Ukrainian Nazis and fascists” for inciting conflict in the region.

The Shooting Incident

The attack on Fico unfolded as he was mingling with a crowd in Handlova after attending a government meeting. The sound of gunshots reverberated through the area, causing the prime minister to collapse. Fico’s security team swiftly moved him into his armoured vehicle for protection, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as surreal and nightmarish.

Following the shooting, Fico was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Banska Bystrica, where initial reports indicated life-threatening injuries. Deputy prime minister Tomáš Taraba later confirmed that Fico had undergone successful surgery and was no longer in a critical condition.

The Alleged Shooter

The suspected assailant, Juraj Cintula, was swiftly detained at the scene of the shooting. Cintula, a prominent poet and anti-violence campaigner, has been vocal in his criticism of the Fico government. His past activism against violence and the formation of the campaign group Against Violence have garnered attention in Slovakia.

While Cintula’s motives remain unclear, his son revealed that his father was a registered gun owner. However, he expressed shock and confusion over his father’s actions, stating that he did not harbour any animosity towards Fico.

Reactions and Implications

The attempted assassination of Robert Fico has sent shockwaves through Slovakia, prompting introspection and concern among the nation’s leaders. The Interior Minister highlighted potential political motivations behind the attack, while outgoing president Zuzana Caputova attributed the incident to a culture of hateful rhetoric prevalent in society.

Defence and interior ministers in Slovakia condemned rising hate speech and division within the country, linking it to the climate that led to the violent act against Fico. The shooting also comes at a critical juncture, just weeks before European parliament elections, raising concerns about further political unrest.

With Slovakia grappling with escalating violence, both internally and externally, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation. The European Commission has warned of the potential repercussions of such attacks on the political landscape.

As the investigation unfolds and Fico continues his recovery, the implications of this attempted assassination reverberate across Slovakia and Europe, underscoring the need for unity and peaceful coexistence.

With inputs from agencies