Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock and condemnation over the shooting incident targeting Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, who was gravely wounded in the attack on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, Modi denounced the cowardly and dastardly act, wishing PM Fico a speedy recovery.
The incident occurred in the town of Handlova, where Fico was attending a meeting of his government. A suspect has been apprehended, and preliminary investigations indicate a clear political motive behind the assassination attempt. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, speaking alongside the defence minister, confirmed the finding.
Prime Minister Fico has been a polarizing figure, both within Slovakia and internationally. However, his return to power last year on a pro-Russian, anti-American platform heightened concerns among fellow European Union members. Critics fear that he may steer Slovakia, a NATO member nation, away from its pro-Western stance, emulating the path taken by Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Protests against Fico’s policies have been held repeatedly in the capital and across Slovakia. The attempted assassination has sent shockwaves across the country, which is set to hold elections in a few weeks. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
