In a shocking turn of events, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has been the victim of a politically-motivated assassination attempt, leaving him critically injured. This act of violence has sent shockwaves through the nation and drawn strong condemnation from global leaders across the political spectrum.

Targeted in Handlova: Details of the Shooting

The attack occurred on May 15, 2024, in the central Slovak town of Handlova, shortly after Fico had participated in an off-site government meeting.1As the prime minister was leaving the event and greeting a small crowd of citizens, a gunman opened fire, shooting Fico multiple times.12Footage from the scene shows Fico being rushed into a vehicle by his staff as it sped away to a local hospital.2 Fico was initially reported to be in life-threatening condition, having suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and joints.1However, later updates from Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba indicated that the surgery had gone well and that Fico was no longer in a critical state.1The suspected gunman, a 71-year-old man, was quickly apprehended by the police, who determined that the attack had a clear political motivation.1

Global Leaders Condemn the Attack

​The news of the shooting attack on Prime Minister Fico has drawn swift and unequivocal condemnation from leaders around the world.Slovak President Zuzana Caputova denounced the “brutal and ruthless” assault, describing it as “an attack on democracy.”1Similarly, President-elect Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico, labeled the assassination attempt “an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy.”1

Across Europe, the reaction has been one of shock and solidarity. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen all expressed their horror at the incident and wished Fico a speedy recovery.1Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the “appalling” assault and expressed solidarity with the people of Slovakia.4NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was “shocked and appalled” by the shooting.4

Even leaders with ideological differences toward Fico’s policies joined in the condemnation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Fico, called the attack “heinous” and prayed for Fico’s “health and quick recovery.”4Russian President Vladimir Putin described the shooting as a “monstrous crime” and wished Fico a “speedy and full recovery.”5Across the Atlantic, US President Joe Biden also condemned the “horrific act of violence” and expressed his and First Lady Jill Biden’s thoughts and prayers for Fico’s recovery.4

Implications for Slovak Politics and International Relations

The shooting attack on Prime Minister Fico has far-reaching implications for Slovak politics and its international relations. Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance and criticism of NATO and the EU, has been a prominent figure in shaping Slovakia’s foreign policy.1Fico’s return to power in 2023 on a wave of pro-Russian sentiment and his subsequent moves to distance Slovakia from its Western allies have raised concerns about the country’s geopolitical alignment.2 The attack, if deemed politically motivated, could lead to a reevaluation of Slovakia’s foreign policy direction and its relationships with other nations.

Furthermore, the incident has brought into focus the broader issue of the safety and security of political leaders in Europe. Recent attacks on politicians, such as the murder of Gdansk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz in 2019 and the assault on German politician Matthias Ecke in 2024, have highlighted the growing threat faced by elected officials.6The shooting of Fico serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the need to address the rising tide of hate speech and divisive rhetoric that can fuel such acts of violence.1

Fico’s Political Comeback and Domestic Turmoil

Robert Fico’s political career has been marked by a series of comebacks and reinventions. Once a social democrat, Fico later embraced more extreme positions, including strident criticisms of Western allies and opposition to sanctions on Russia.1 His return to power in 2023, after a period of political exile, has been met with both support and fierce opposition within Slovakia.Fico’s coalition government has faced widespread protests over its controversial domestic reforms, particularly its attempts to overhaul the criminal justice system and reduce penalties for corruption.2The government’s efforts to shut down the public service broadcaster RTVS and replace it with a new, more government-controlled entity have also sparked outrage.2 The deep political divisions within Slovakia have contributed to an atmosphere of heightened tension and polarization, which the Slovak Interior Minister and Defense Minister have directly linked to the shooting attack on Fico.2

The Road Ahead: Calls for Unity and Accountability

As Slovakia and the international community grapple with the aftermath of the attack on Prime Minister Fico, there have been urgent calls for unity, calm, and accountability.Slovak President Zuzana Caputova and other leaders have emphasized the need to end the divisive rhetoric and hateful actions that have contributed to the current political climate.4The Slovak government has also acknowledged the role of rising hate speech in fueling the attack and has appealed for the media to exercise responsibility in their coverage.2

At the same time, there are concerns that the Fico government may seek to capitalize on the incident to further consolidate its power and silence critics. The swift dismantling of the special prosecutor’s office and the plans to reorganize the public broadcaster have raised alarm bells about the government’s commitment to democratic norms and the rule of law.2

As the investigation into the attack continues and Fico’s recovery progresses, the world will be watching closely to see how Slovakia navigates this critical juncture. The outcome will have significant implications not only for the country’s political stability but also for the broader landscape of European democracy and security.