Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico recently returned to the town where he was shot in May, accusing progressive opponents of inciting political tension that could lead to more attacks. Fico, a four-time prime minister, survived the assassination attempt with four gunshot wounds to the abdomen. The assailant, who disagreed with Fico’s policies, is now facing terrorism-related charges.
The attack in the central Slovak town of Handlova has intensified political divisions in the country. Fico, along with his government of leftist and far-right parties, has been critical of progressive opponents. During his visit to Handlova for the first time since the incident, Fico emphasized that he is more affected by the trauma caused by the attack than the actual assassination attempt itself.