Slovakia’s PM Rescued After Three Hours of Operation: Modi-Biden Extend Support in Tough Times
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, aged 56, was attacked by an assailant on Wednesday, May 15, with a gunshot wound. Fico sustained five gunshot wounds, one of which hit his abdomen. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery for about three hours.
World Leaders Condemn the Attack
Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Thomas Taraba, stated that Fico’s operation has been successful and expressed hope for his recovery. Currently, Fico is out of danger. Leaders worldwide have extended their prayers for his safety.
US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have condemned the attack and expressed their desire for Fico’s swift recovery. Blinken mentioned that the US Embassy in Slovakia is closely monitoring the situation. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed shock upon hearing the news and conveyed his solidarity with Fico’s family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Slovakia during this challenging time. He emphasized the enduring ties between India and Slovakia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the attack as a heinous crime and condemned it severely. He stressed that such violent acts have no place in society. Putin described Fico as a courageous and strong-minded leader and assured him of Russia’s support.
Fico won the parliamentary elections in Slovakia on September 30, 2023, after which he faced controversies. Previously, he had imposed a ban on military aid to Ukraine. Subsequently, he frequently showed support for Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as “terrifying.” Like our neighbors, we strongly condemn this attack. French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized the attack harshly and stood in solidarity with Fico.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz termed it a “cowardly attack” and stressed that there should be no place for violence in European politics. He expressed deep concern over the cowardly attack on Fico. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia.
Italy’s Prime Minister Georgie Meloni condemned the attack
Italian Prime Minister Georgie Meloni condemned this attack as cowardly. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly denounced the attack as well. He conveyed his best wishes to the people and government of Slovakia. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, stated that this attack is the most cowardly. Italian Prime Minister Georgie Meloni also counted the attack as a cowardly one.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s Message
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery to PM Fico. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that violence cannot be justified in any way. Spain stands in solidarity with Slovakia at this difficult time. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery to Fico.
Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has previously served
Robert Fico has previously served as the Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018. According to the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera, they were among the prime ministers who remained members of both the European Union and NATO during their tenure. Alongside, they have served the longest time as Prime Minister in Slovak history.
