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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has made headlines after surviving an assassination attempt by an unknown gunman. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the headlines:
Robert Fico, aged 59, found himself in the line of fire when four shots were fired at him while he was meeting supporters outside the local House of Culture. Struck in the stomach, he was swiftly rushed to the hospital, with his condition deemed critical.
Born into a working-class family, Fico’s journey into politics began after he obtained a law degree in 1986. He initially aligned himself with the ruling Communist party before transitioning to government law and eventually securing a seat in parliament. Notably, Fico represented Slovakia at the European Court for Human Rights.
Fico’s political career took off in 1999 when he founded the SMER-Social Democracy party as a counterforce to the center-right cabinet. He claimed victory in the 2006 elections, marking his first term as Prime Minister. Despite a brief hiatus from office between 2010 and 2012, Fico returned to power and remained in office until 2018.
However, his tenure was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the assassination of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova in 2018. The killings sparked widespread protests against corruption, ultimately leading to Fico’s resignation.
After spending five years in opposition, Fico’s political comeback came in the form of a victory in last year’s parliamentary elections. Embracing a pro-Russian and anti-American stance, he vowed to withdraw military support to Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.
As Fico recovers from the recent assassination attempt, Slovakia remains on edge, awaiting updates on his condition and the unfolding investigation. His resilience in the face of adversity reflects the complex political landscape of the nation and underscores the challenges ahead for Slovakian politics.
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