Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, describing it as both despicable and cowardly. In a social media post, PM Modi sent his best wishes for PM Fico’s quick recovery.
Robert Fico, a four-time Prime Minister of Slovakia, was seriously injured in a shooting incident in Handlova. The 59-year-old leader suffered abdominal wounds and was immediately taken to the hospital after the attack.
The assassination attempt took place while Fico was interacting with citizens following a government event. Several shots were fired, resulting in the prime minister being left on the ground with bloodstains.
The suspected attacker, 71-year-old Slovak poet Juraj Cintula, was quickly apprehended at the scene. Local media reports suggested that Cintula blamed Fico’s media policies for his actions. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic during this difficult time.
Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba informed the BBC that Fico’s condition is not currently life-threatening. Taraba expressed confidence that Fico will ultimately pull through.
World leaders, such as US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have strongly criticized the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that such violent actions undermine democracy and are unacceptable in society.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has previously backed Fico, denounced the shooting as a “monstrous” crime.