Could the Robert Fico shooting lead to a wider conflict in Europe?
7 months, 1 week ago

Could the Robert Fico shooting lead to a wider conflict in Europe?

The Independent  

What was clearly an attempt to assassinate the Slovak prime minister has prompted myriad theories as to why, and what the repercussions might be. Robert Fico, who became Slovakia’s prime minister for the third time after his party gained the most votes in last autumn’s general election, is on record as saying that he feared an attack. For all the West’s condemnation of Fico as a “populist”, his policies as prime minister have been constrained by the limitations of coalition government. One aspect of the attempt on the Slovak prime minister’s life could warrant wider concern, however. If, as the Slovak authorities said on the day after the attack on Fico, his would-be assassin was a “lone wolf” – albeit one with an as yet undefined political agenda – the probability is that this attempt on the Slovak PM’s life will remain a Slovak atrocity.

Europe War Ukraine Russia Netherlands Prime Political Military Aid Prime Minister Minister Slovak Hungary Fico Slovakia  minister  prime  europe  eu  slovak  war  political  slovakia  countries  wider  fico  lead  ukraine  robert  shooting  conflict

History of this topic

Slovak PM Fico holds talks with Putin during surprise Russia trip
1 day, 13 hours ago

Slovak PM Fico holds talks with Putin during surprise Russia trip

Al Jazeera  

Fico discussed the Ukraine war and the transport of Russian gas to Slovakia via Ukraine, according to statements. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has held one-on-one talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a surprise visit to Moscow, according to the Kremlin. Fico discussed “a peaceful end to the war” in Ukraine, according to a Facebook post by the Slovak …

Slovak opposition rallies against the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico
1 month ago

Slovak opposition rallies against the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico

Associated Press  

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Thousands of protesters gathered in Slovakia’s capital on Sunday, the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that brought an end to decades of communist rule in Czechoslovakia, to oppose the policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protest united the opposition, including the liberal Progressive Slovakia, pro-business Freedom and Solidarity and the conservative Christian Democrats who …

Slovakian prime minister takes first trip outside capital after assassination attempt
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Slovakian prime minister takes first trip outside capital after assassination attempt

LA Times  

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, using a walking stick, arrives to attend a press conference during harvest in the village of Slovenska Nova Ves, western Slovakia, on Monday. Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico took his first trip outside the capital on Monday since resuming his duties after an assassination attempt. Fico visited a farm in Slovenska Nova Ves, northeast …

Slovak PM claims assassination attempt not by 'a lone madman'
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Slovak PM claims assassination attempt not by 'a lone madman'

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-06-06 02:25 Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico addresses the nation for the first time after the shooting, before the EU Parliamentary Election, in Bratislava, Slovakia, in this screengrab taken from a social media video released on June 5. BRATISLAVA -- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday that he did not believe last month's assassination attempt …

Slovakia’s Fico says he was targeted for Ukraine views, in first speech since assassination attempt
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Slovakia’s Fico says he was targeted for Ukraine views, in first speech since assassination attempt

Associated Press  

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico said Wednesday he believes he was targeted for having a Ukraine position contrary to the European mainstream but bears no malice toward the gunman who seriously wounded him three weeks ago. The prerecorded speech posted online by Fico, who opposes military aid to Ukraine, was his first appearance since the assassination …

Slovak PM Robert Fico says could return to work ‘in several weeks’
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Slovak PM Robert Fico says could return to work ‘in several weeks’

Al Jazeera  

In first public speech since surviving assassination attempt, Fico says he feels ‘no hatred’ towards his attacker. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has posted a speech online, his first appearance since he was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt three weeks ago. In a prerecorded speech on his Facebook page on Wednesday, ahead of the European Parliament election, Fico said …

Slovakia’s prime minister in serious condition; suspect in assassination attempt appears at hearing
7 months ago

Slovakia’s prime minister in serious condition; suspect in assassination attempt appears at hearing

LA Times  

A car reportedly carrying the suspect in the shooting of Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, leaves the court in Pezinok, on Saturday. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was in serious condition Saturday after surviving multiple gunshots in an assassination attempt, officials said, as the suspect appeared at a hearing. Government ministers outside the hospital where Fico is being treated said …

Slovak PM Fico in ‘serious condition’ as shooting suspect appears in court
7 months ago

Slovak PM Fico in ‘serious condition’ as shooting suspect appears in court

Al Jazeera  

Court near Bratislava rules that man accused in assassination attempt will be held in custody. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in hospital in “serious condition” as a court ruled that the man accused in the assassination attempt will be held in custody. On Saturday, Minister of Health Zuzana Dolinkova said a two-hour surgery on Fico the previous day to …

Assassination attempt opens Slovakia’s wounds, some linked to PM Fico
7 months, 1 week ago

Assassination attempt opens Slovakia’s wounds, some linked to PM Fico

Al Jazeera  

Slovakia’s interior minister says the country is ‘on the edge of a civil war’ as political polarisation reaches dangerous heights. Tomas Taraba, Fico’s deputy and Slovakia’s environment minister, initially accused the centre-left political opposition, saying it had “blood on its hands”. As Fico’s condition remained critical, Interior Minister Matus Estok said Slovakia was “on the edge of a civil war” …

Slovakia PM Robert Fico shooting: Minister says 'lone wolf' charged
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia PM Robert Fico shooting: Minister says 'lone wolf' charged

The Hindu  

The Slovak Interior Minister said on May 16 that a “lone wolf” has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico and prompted soul-searching among leaders in the deeply divided society. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said on May 15 that an initial investigation found “a clear political motivation” behind the attack on Mr. Fico while …

Slovakian PM Robert Fico is in stable but serious condition after assassination attempt, says hospital staff
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakian PM Robert Fico is in stable but serious condition after assassination attempt, says hospital staff

The Hindu  

“Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable but serious condition on May 15, after being shot multiple times in an assassination attempt a day earlier,” a hospital official said. Doctors are continuing to treat Mr. Fico in an attempt to improve his condition, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital in Banska Bystrica. “A suspect was …

Robert Fico: 'Lone wolf' charged in assassination attempt, minister says
7 months, 1 week ago

Robert Fico: 'Lone wolf' charged in assassination attempt, minister says

Associated Press  

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovak authorities charged a man Thursday with attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico, saying he acted alone in a politically motivated attack that left the longtime leader in serious but stable condition. He referred to the suspect — who was charged with premeditated murder — as a “lone wolf” who did not belong to any …

Slovak PM Robert Fico shot and wounded: PM Modi condemns attack and calls it ‘cowardly and dastardly’
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovak PM Robert Fico shot and wounded: PM Modi condemns attack and calls it ‘cowardly and dastardly’

The Hindu  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shooting attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, calling it a "cowardly and dastardly act". Mr. Robert Fico, who is a four-time Prime Minister of Slovakia, was wounded in a shooting incident on Wednesday in Handlova, reported the local newspaper, The Slovak Spectator. PM will survive, says Deputy PM Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tomas …

Suspect In Slovakia PM Shooting Restrained In Dramatic Footage, Identified As 71-Year-Old Writer
7 months, 1 week ago

Suspect In Slovakia PM Shooting Restrained In Dramatic Footage, Identified As 71-Year-Old Writer

News 18  

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, who was shot multiple times and gravely wounded on Wednesday, is now believed to be out of danger. A suspect detained for shooting Slovakia’s PM is a 71-year-old writer from the centre of the European nation, the interior minister said Wednesday. “I think I can confirm this, yes,” Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told reporters …

Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico shot, stable after surgery: What we know so far
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico shot, stable after surgery: What we know so far

Al Jazeera  

The Slovak prime minister was shot multiple times on Wednesday in an assassination attempt. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable condition after an emergency surgery, following a “politically motivated” assassination attempt on Wednesday, during which he was shot five times, a government minister said. Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba said late on Wednesday that Fico’s hospital operation …

Slovakia PM Robert Fico in ‘very serious’ condition after being shot
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia PM Robert Fico in ‘very serious’ condition after being shot

Al Jazeera  

Interior minister says suspect charged with attempted murder is ‘lone wolf’ who had joined anti-government protests. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is stable but his condition remains “very serious”, his deputy has said, after an assassination attempt that shocked the country and drew global condemnation. “During the night, doctors managed to stabilise the patient’s condition,” Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak …

PM Modi condemns 'cowardly and dastardly' shooting of Slovakia's Robert Fico, wishes speedy recovery
7 months, 1 week ago

PM Modi condemns 'cowardly and dastardly' shooting of Slovakia's Robert Fico, wishes speedy recovery

India TV News  

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed shock at the shooting incident that seriously injured his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico. PM Modi condemned the "cowardly and dastardly" assassination attempt and wished a speedy recovery to Fico, 59, who is reportedly in stable condition after undergoing surgery. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Deeply shocked at the news of …

‘Lone wolf’ charged in assassination attempt on Slovak prime minister
7 months, 1 week ago

‘Lone wolf’ charged in assassination attempt on Slovak prime minister

LA Times  

Slovak authorities charged a man Thursday with attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico, saying he acted alone in a politically motivated attack. While Pelligrini and outgoing President Zuzana Caputova urged people to dial back the sharp rhetoric that has characterized the political debate, some Fico supporters accused Slovakia’s news media of contributing to the polarization. He referred to the …

Slovak PM ‘no longer in life-threatening condition’ after being shot: Minister
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovak PM ‘no longer in life-threatening condition’ after being shot: Minister

Hindustan Times  

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition after he was shot in an assassination attempt when leaving a government meeting on Wednesday, a government minister said. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico The gunman shot Fico, 59, five times, initially leaving the prime minister in critical condition and undergoing surgery hours later on Wednesday evening. Defence …

Shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sends shockwaves across Europe
7 months, 1 week ago

Shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sends shockwaves across Europe

Associated Press  

The shooting Wednesday of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in the town of Handlova following a political event sent shockwaves across Europe three weeks before EU parliament elections are scheduled to be held. —- “Shocked and appalled by the shooting of Prime Minister Robert Fico. —- “I was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against my friend, Prime Minister Robert …

Slovakia PM Robert Fico: Political heavyweight with pro-Russian views
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia PM Robert Fico: Political heavyweight with pro-Russian views

The Hindu  

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was said to be in a life-threatening condition after being shot on May 15, took power for the fourth time last October and has turned the country's foreign policy towards more pro-Russian views. During a three-decade career, Mr. Fico, 59, has skilfully weaved between pro-European mainstream and nationalistic anti-Brussels and anti-American positions, while showing …

Who is Robert Fico, the populist Slovak prime minister wounded in a shooting?
7 months, 1 week ago

Who is Robert Fico, the populist Slovak prime minister wounded in a shooting?

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times after a political event Wednesday afternoon, an episode of violence that punctuated his decades-long career in politics. Fico returned to power in Slovakia last year, having previously served twice as prime minister, from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2018. Fico’s return to power caused concern …

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico Wounded in Shooting; Suspect Detained
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico Wounded in Shooting; Suspect Detained

News 18  

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon and taken to hospital. He was injured… pic.twitter.com/Mi15B2u6vs — Lord Bebo May 15, 2024 “We absolutely and strongly condemn violence and today’s shooting of Premier Robert Fico,” said Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Simecka. “I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a …

Slovakia's PM Robert Fico injured in shooting, in life-threatening condition
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia's PM Robert Fico injured in shooting, in life-threatening condition

The Hindu  

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening condition after being wounded in a shooting after a political event May 15 afternoon, according to his Facebook profile. A message posted to Fico’s Facebook account said that the leader “has been shot multiple times and is currently in life-threatening condition.” It said he was being transported by helicopter to the Banská …

Slovakia’s prime minister is expected to survive assassination attempt, deputy says
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia’s prime minister is expected to survive assassination attempt, deputy says

Associated Press  

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday, but his deputy prime minister said he believed Fico would survive. Policemen stand outside the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital, where Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was shot and injured, is treated in Banska Bystrica, central Slovakia, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. …

World reacts to Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico being shot
7 months, 1 week ago

World reacts to Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico being shot

Al Jazeera  

World leaders decry attack against Fico, who was shot several times and is in ‘life-threatening condition’. World leaders have condemned an attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is in a “life-threatening condition” after being shot. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen “I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. “I am deeply shocked by …

Slovakia PM Robert Fico in critical condition after being shot
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia PM Robert Fico in critical condition after being shot

Al Jazeera  

Slovak prime minister taken to hospital as President Zuzana Caputova condemns ‘brutal and ruthless’ attack. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has been critically injured after being shot multiple times in a “politically motivated” assassination attempt, according to his interior minister. “He’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment.” Taraba said one bullet went through Fico’s stomach and a second …

Slovakia’s prime minister expected to survive assassination attempt, deputy says
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia’s prime minister expected to survive assassination attempt, deputy says

LA Times  

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday, but his deputy prime minister said he believed Fico would survive. “I guess in the end he will survive,” Tomas Taraba, the deputy prime minister, told the BBC, adding: “He’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment.” The 59-year-old premier was shot in the abdomen, …

Slovakia's populist prime minister shot, shocking Europe before elections
7 months, 1 week ago

Slovakia's populist prime minister shot, shocking Europe before elections

NPR  

Slovakia's populist prime minister shot, shocking Europe before elections Enlarge this image toggle caption Jan Kroslak/TASR via AP Jan Kroslak/TASR via AP BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday, but his deputy prime minister said he believed Fico would survive. A suspect was in custody, and an initial investigation …

Deep divisions on Russia’s war in Ukraine were evident at a meeting of 4 Central European countries
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Deep divisions on Russia’s war in Ukraine were evident at a meeting of 4 Central European countries

Associated Press  

PRAGUE — Four Central European countries are deeply divided over the Russian war against Ukraine and how to resolve the conflict, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia said on Tuesday. “I won’t keep it secret, it wouldn’t make sense, that we differ in the views of the cause of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and …

Slovak leader calls the war between Russia and Ukraine a frozen conflict
1 year ago

Slovak leader calls the war between Russia and Ukraine a frozen conflict

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Slovakia’s new prime minister, Robert …

Slovakia’s new government led by populist Robert Fico wins a mandatory confidence vote
1 year, 1 month ago

Slovakia’s new government led by populist Robert Fico wins a mandatory confidence vote

Associated Press  

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s new government, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico who ended the country’s military aid for Ukraine, won a mandatory confidence vote in Parliament on Tuesday. Fico returned to power and took over as prime minister for the fourth time after his scandal-tainted leftist Smer, or Direction, party won Slovakia’s Sept 30 parliamentary election on a …

Populist former Prime Minister in Slovakia signs deal to form new government
1 year, 2 months ago

Populist former Prime Minister in Slovakia signs deal to form new government

The Hindu  

A former Prime Minister of Slovakia, who plans to end the country's military support for Ukraine, is poised to return to office after his political party signed a deal on October 11 with two other parties to form a coalition government. The party's leader, populist former Prime Minister Robert Fico, needed to find coalition partners to rule with a majority …

Slovakia’s populist party opposed to Ukraine aid wins vote
1 year, 2 months ago

Slovakia’s populist party opposed to Ukraine aid wins vote

Al Jazeera  

Left-wing former Prime Minister Robert Fico has promised to end military aid for Ukraine, but smaller parties will be key to forming a coalition. The populist party of former Prime Minister Robert Fico that wants to stop military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the European Union and NATO has won Slovakia’s election, results showed on Sunday. Radically change …

Slovaks vote between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-Western liberals
1 year, 2 months ago

Slovaks vote between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-Western liberals

Al Jazeera  

Voting has begun in a closely contested election with support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion a key focal point. Slovaks are voting in a closely contested parliamentary election between left-wing former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has pledged to end military aid for neighbouring Ukraine, and pro-Western liberals. A government led by Fico would mean Slovakia, a country of …

Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomer
1 year, 2 months ago

Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomer

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Slovakia …

Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomer
1 year, 2 months ago

Slovakia election pits a pro-Russia former prime minister against a liberal pro-West newcomer

Associated Press  

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia holds an early parliamentary election on Saturday that pits populist former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who campaigned on a clear pro-Russia and anti-American message, against a liberal pro-West newcomer. Fico and his leftist Smer, or Direction, party vowed to reverse Slovakia’s military support for neighboring Ukraine in Russia’s war, if his attempt to return to power …

In challenge for NATO, election front-runner in Slovakia wants to end aid to Ukraine
1 year, 3 months ago

In challenge for NATO, election front-runner in Slovakia wants to end aid to Ukraine

LA Times  

Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico could reclaim his old job following an election scheduled for Sept. 30. A populist former prime minister whose party is favored to win Slovakia’s parliamentary election plans to reverse the country’s military and political support for neighboring Ukraine, in a direct challenge to the European Union and NATO, if he returns to power. “It’s …

Discover Related