The Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been left in a ‘life-threatening condition’ after an assassination attempt earlier today.
The 71-year-old was shot in the town of Handlova, 85 miles from the capital Bratislava, after a meeting at a cultural centre earlier today.
It was later confirmed to be an assassination attempt by Slovakia’s interior ministry.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said his thoughts are with Fico, “our dear European colleague,” and branded the shooting as a “shocking and vile attack on democracy”.
My thoughts are with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, our dear European colleague, his family and the people of Slovakia. Keeping him in our prayers today.
A shocking and vile attack on democracy
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 15, 2024
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also said he was “deeply shocked and appalled by the attack”.
“This vile and reckless shooting is a direct attack on democracy itself,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers go to PM Fico’s family and the people of Slovakia at this difficult time.”
Deeply shocked and appalled by the attack on Slovak PM Robert Fico.
This vile and reckless shooting is a direct attack on democracy itself
My thoughts and prayers go to PM Fico’s family and the people of Slovakia at this difficult time.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 15, 2024
The Slovakian Prime Minister was airlifted to hospital after being shot and a suspect was detained at the scene.
She said there were three or four shots and that Mr Fico fell to the floor with blood on his chest and head.
European leaders have been quick to condemn the shooting, including European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen who said it was a “vile attack” and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said it was “shocking”.
I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good.
My thoughts are with PM Fico and his family.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 15, 2024
"News of the cowardly assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico shocks me deeply," said German leader Olaf Scholz.
"Violence must have no place in European politics."
Mr Fico is a three-time prime minister in Slovakia, elected to the most recently last September.
France's President Francois Hollande, left, welcomes Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock PhotoHe is also a divisive figure with many critical of his more sympathetic stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and views on LGBTQ rights.
President Putin issued a statement several hours after Mr Fico's shooting, calling it a "monstrous" crime with "no justification".
Main image: Slovakian PM Robert Fico at an EU Summit in 2016. Image: Belga News Agency / Alamy Stock Photo
