Politicians in Slovakia on Thursday, May 15th, marked the first anniversary of the assassination attempt against Prime Minister Robert Fico, and called for reconciliation and for tensions to simmer in public discourse.
Fico was shot at point-blank range on May 15th last year by a pro-Ukrainian protester. He was in a serious, life-threatening condition for many days, and had to undergo multiple surgeries.
A few days ago, the prime minister raised concerns about what he sees as an increasingly hostile and aggressive political rhetoric, with a rise in threats against officials, and warned of the potential for new attacks.
On Thursday, he took part in a government meeting in the town of Handlová, the same place where the assassination attempt took place, and he walked up to greet his crowd of supporters—just as he had done a year ago when 71-year-old Juraj Cintula shot him.
Justice Minister Boris Susko said the assassination was a consequence of insults, hatred, and division in society, a phenomenon that some politicians not only tolerated but deliberately nurtured.
Samuel Migaľ, Minister of Investment, warned that the horrific attack should not be used to deepen hatred, but rather, Slovakians should learn from it and do everything possible to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
“Free political expression is the foundation of a democratic society,” Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický wrote on social media. He claimed that the opposition and the “pro-opposition media” continue to incite hatred and conspire against the prime minister and the governing coalition.
Fico has led a left-wing nationalist government since the end of 2023, and he has been criticised not only by the Europhile opposition but also by EU institutions for pursuing a sovereignist foreign policy, as well as rejecting migration and LGBT propaganda.
