Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico injured in firing

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has been injured in a shooting and taken to hospital, according to local media. The incident occurred after a government meeting in Handlova, about 150 kilometers north-east of the capital, which took place at the city’s House of Culture.

According to Slovak Spectator media, a man opened fire during Fico’s conversation with his followers outside the building and several gunshots were heard, and the prime minister then fell to the ground.

The alleged attacker has been arrested and the police have cordoned off the surrounding area.

“Completely shocked by today’s brutal and reckless attack against Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in the strongest terms,” ​​the country’s President Zuzana Caputova wrote in X. “I wish you lots of strength and a speedy recovery at this important moment. My condolences are also with his family and friends.”

Fico, head of the populist social democratic party Smr, who was previously Slovakia’s prime minister, won the general election last October.