Slovak Prime Minister Fico makes first statement after armed attack

Fico announced that he forgives the attacker who wounded him and that he will begin to gradually return to his duties within June or July.

"NOTHING MORE THAN AN ENVOY OF POLITICAL HATRED"

While he did not provide details regarding his health, Fico emphasized that the attack had seriously affected his health and stated that his return to duty was unexpected.

Appearing calm but speaking with long pauses, Fico said, "I do not hold any grudge against the stranger who shot me."

Holding the opposition, rather than the attacker, responsible for what happened, Fico said, "Ultimately, the attacker was nothing more than an envoy of evil and political hatred."

ANNOUNCED THE DATE HE WILL RETURN TO DUTY

The Slovak leader said the reason he was attacked was that he held a political view contrary to mainstream politics in Europe regarding Ukraine. Criticizing the European Union harshly, Fico said, "It may be rude to say this, but there is no longer a right to have a different opinion in the European Union."

Emphasizing that relations with his partners in the EU have become strained due to Slovakia's refusal to provide military aid to Ukraine, and that those who think like him are labeled "Russian agents" and politically marginalized, Fico pointed out that they have been subjected to strange treatment in the European Union since the Direction-Social Democracy (Smer SD) party, which he leads, won the parliamentary elections in September 2023.

In his 14-minute video message, Fico said, "If everything goes as planned, I will be able to gradually return to my duties within June or July."

Fico was wounded by gunfire at close range by an attacker while he was greeting a crowd following a government meeting held in the town of Handlova in the central part of the country on May 15.

Prime Minister Fico, who was wounded in 4 places by the 71-year-old attacker named Juraj Cintula, was transported by helicopter to Roosevelt Hospital in the city of Banska Bystrica after initial interventions in Handlova.

The Slovak Prime Minister underwent two surgeries there, two days apart. Fico, who left the hospital last week, is continuing his treatment at his home in Bratislava.

News Source: İHA