In a statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the “despicable attack” on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. She expressed that acts of violence have no place in society and undermine democracy, which is our most valuable asset. European Council President Charles Michel also expressed shock at the incident.
On Wednesday afternoon, Fico was injured after being shot in front of a cultural community center in Handlova. He was hit in the abdomen and taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, further details about his condition are not yet available.
Both Von der Leyen and Michel reiterated that violence and such attacks can never be justified. They also expressed their support for Fico and his family during this difficult time. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also responded to the attack, sending his thoughts and prayers for Fico’s health and recovery.
Slovakia’s outgoing president Zuzana Caputová described the attack as “brutal and ruthless” and wished Fico strength in his recovery. Other European leaders, such as Latvian Prime Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, also condemned the violence.
NATO CEO Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both expressed shock and concern over the attack. The suspected perpetrator has been arrested by the police, and images circulating on social media show Fico being supported by his security team after the shooting.
Overall, the European leaders and officials are united in their condemnation of the attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico and are sending their support