Updated Jun 6, 2024, 03:36 IST
Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia accused the opposition of orchestrating a politically motivated assassination attempt. Fico needed numerous rounds of surgery after being shot multiple times at close range in Handlova, central Slovakia, on May 15. In his address, Fico alleged that “an activist of the Slovak opposition” was behind the attempt on his life, describing the gunman as “a messenger of evil and political hatred.”
Robert Fico Was Shot At A Few Months Prior, Multiple Times.
In his first public address since being shot, Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia accused the opposition of orchestrating a politically motivated assassination attempt. The video speech described Fico’s recuperation and his aspirations to resume work, and it was made public on Wednesday through the official Facebook sites of both his political party, Smer, and himself.
Fico needed numerous rounds of surgery after being shot multiple times at close range in Handlova, central Slovakia, on May 15, the NY Times recollects. After being released from the hospital on May 30, he has been recovering at his Bratislava home. Fico described his continued recuperation and said it would be “a minor miracle” if he was able to return to work in a few weeks. NYT reported that he continued by saying that he was undergoing outpatient care and that the attack had really hurt him. His goal is to gradually return to work by late June or early July, “if everything goes as planned,” according to an English translation provided by Fico and Smer.
In his address, Fico alleged that “an activist of the Slovak opposition” was behind the attempt on his life, describing the gunman as “a messenger of evil and political hatred.” He said he couldn’t believe it was only one crazy person who carried out the attack. The opposition has categorically denied being involved in the shooting. NYT said both the Freedom and Solidarity party and Michal Simecka, the head of Progressive Slovakia, the biggest opposition party, released comments denouncing the attempted assassination and distancing themselves from any connection to the gunman.
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Fico, a populist politician who won a close parliamentary election to become prime minister in October, said that he was a target because of his political beliefs, which included his resistance to providing military assistance to Ukraine. His government has been under fire from his opponents for weakening democracy. In his remarks, Fico stated, “It is a cruel observation, but the right to a different opinion has ceased to exist in the E.U.” TThe speech was given right before a ban on public speaking and campaigning before Saturday’s elections for the European Parliament.
After the incident, a suspect was detained and accused with attempted premeditated murder, according to a May announcement by Slovak officials. NYT reported that Fico said he will not take legal action or seek damages against the suspect despite the seriousness of the incident. “It’s time for me to make the first move, and that is forgiveness,” he said. “I feel no hatred toward the stranger who shot me.”
Reflecting on the incident, Fico acknowledged his potential for anger and vengeance but emphasized the need for a constructive outcome. “Opposition to a politician you disagree with is not resolved by shooting him,” he remarked, according to NY Times. He expressed hope that the pain he endured would serve a greater good. His Smer party has referenced the attack in its European Union election campaigning, highlighting the incident to garner support.
Michal Simecka, in a Facebook statement on Wednesday, condemned the assassination attempt and wished Fico a speedy recovery. However, he criticized Fico’s speech as disappointing. The Freedom and Solidarity party also denounced any connection to the shooting, asserting that Fico’s allegations were baseless and harmful. “We strongly object to any association of the murderer and his act against the prime minister with our policy, which is based on factual and professional criticism,” the party’s statement read. They accused Fico of “throwing dirt on the opposition.”
Source link : https://www.timesnownews.com/world/europe/slovakia-prime-minister-robert-ficos-first-public-appearance-after-shooting-i-forgive-the-ones-who-shot-me-article-110747916/amp
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Publish date : 2024-06-05 22:00:57
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