Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is out of life-threatening danger. Extraordinary security council convened

Reyhan KÜÇÜK / 12punto.com.tr

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak stated that Fico's condition is "stable, but remains serious." The chief physician of the hospital where the Prime Minister is being treated added that Prime Minister Fico, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, is being kept in intensive care following a five-hour surgery, noting that his condition is "truly serious" and that due to the effects of his injuries,  a challenging recovery process awaits him.

DETAILS OF THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

The assassination attempt took place on Wednesday around 14:45 in the city of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bratislava. According to a statement by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, the attacker, who fired five shots at Fico, was detained at the scene.

Defense Minister Kalinak said there was "no doubt" that the assassination attempt had a political motive. Immediately following the assassination attempt, a video emerged in the Slovak media.

The 71-year-old suspect who released the video states that he does not approve of the government's policies. Following his initial interrogation by police, it was learned that the 71-year-old suspect is an amateur writer and a former employee of a private security company. Due to his previous line of work,  the individual held a legal firearms license.  He also stated in his testimony that he was in disagreement with the government's policies.

EXTRAORDINARY SECURITY COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT CONVENED

The Slovak government held an emergency meeting in the morning. At the same time, the National Security  Council also convened. Following the meeting, which was attended by the Prime Minister, the ministers of interior and defense, and other ministers of the coalition government, Interior Minister Estok announced that increased security measures have been taken for politicians and journalists following the assassination attempt.

Outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Caputova described the assassination attempt as an attack on democracy and called on all parties to remain calm. She announced that she would organize a meeting to bring together the leaders of all the country's major political parties. She stated that the goal is to reduce political tensions between parties and unite the country.

Newly elected President Peter Pellegrini called on all parties to "temporarily suspend or significantly restrict their European election campaigns." In his statement, Pellegrini said that Slovakia cannot afford any more conflict or mutual accusations. Pellegrini, who was elected as the new President in the second round of elections held in early April, is also known for his closeness to Russia, like Robert Fico.

A FIRST IN THE COUNTRY'S HISTORY

The assassination attempt on Fico has gone down in history as the first attempt on the life of a politician in Slovak history. Robert Fico, who has taken office as prime minister for the fourth time since October, is in a coalition with a moderate left-wing party.  is cooperating with a small right-wing nationalist party.

Meanwhile, liberals and the pro-European opposition in the country, viewing this situation as a threat to the rule of law and freedom of the press, have been regularly organizing anti-government protests.

On the day of the assassination attempt, opposition supporters had planned to hold a protest against the plan to shut down public broadcasting organizations. However, following the unfortunate incident that occurred ahead of the European Parliament elections,  most parties suspended their protests and events indefinitely.

EUROPEAN POLITICIANS IN SHOCK

The attack caused a major international stir. Prominent world figures expressed their shock at the assassination attempt through their messages.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated in a post on the social media platform X that he was deeply shaken by this "cowardly attack."

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also conveyed her well wishes to the Slovak Prime Minister's family and warned about how hatred can turn into violence.

US President Joe Biden condemned the "horrific act of violence," stating, "our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "I know Robert Fico as a courageous and determined man. I hope he overcomes this difficult situation."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his solidarity, saying, "Robert, my thoughts are with you in this difficult moment."