HANDLOVA, Slovakia — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited the town of Handlova on September 6, the site of a shooting attack that left him critically injured in May. During his visit, Fico accused progressive opponents and media of inflaming political tensions that he claimed could incite further violence.
Fico, 59, who was shot four times in the abdomen, survived the attack and has since faced significant political and public scrutiny. The alleged gunman, who is charged with terrorism and faces life imprisonment, reportedly targeted Fico due to disagreements with his policies.
In his return to Handlova, Fico expressed frustration not only with the attack but also with what he perceives as a hostile political environment. “Believe me, I have trauma, but not from the assassination attempt,” he said. “I am traumatized by the opposition and some of the media, at what they are doing. Because they are creating an atmosphere that can lead to a repeat of a similar story.”
Fico’s administration, composed of leftist and far-right parties, has been engaged in a broader conflict with progressive critics. His government has enacted significant changes, including halting military aid to Ukraine, dismantling a special prosecutor’s office, restructuring the public broadcaster, and making controversial changes in the cultural sector, such as firings in museums and theaters.
The government’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers, including warnings from the European Union regarding rule of law and media freedom. Fico has frequently criticized Slovak news outlets and preferred to communicate through social media, where he posts his own videos and denounces progressive ideologies.
In response to EU criticisms, Fico’s government has labeled some evaluations as misleading, attributing them to “anti-government” media biases. The political climate in Slovakia remains tense, with ongoing debates over the impact of Fico’s policies and the broader implications for the country’s democratic institutions.