6-6-2024 (BRATISLAVA) In his first public address since the shocking assassination attempt on May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico struck a calm yet resolute tone, blaming his political opponents for fostering the “hatred” that led to the brazen attack. The 59-year-old leader, who was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters in the central town of Handlova, delivered his remarks in a video posted on Facebook, speaking with palpable emotion and pausing frequently.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, Fico extended a remarkable gesture of forgiveness towards his alleged assailant, identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula. “I feel no hatred towards the stranger who shot me,” he stated, adding, “I forgive him and let him sort out what he did and why he did it in his own head.”
However, the Prime Minister was unequivocal in his condemnation of the opposition forces he believes fueled the climate of animosity that culminated in the assassination attempt. “The accused gunman was not ‘some madman’ but ‘a messenger of the evil and political hatred’ fostered by the opposition in Slovakia,” Fico asserted.
The Prime Minister’s remarks offered a glimpse into his recovery process, revealing his optimism about a potential return to work as early as June. “If everything goes as planned, I could gradually return to work at the turn of June and July,” he shared.
Yet, the bulk of Fico’s 14-minute message was dedicated to a robust defense of his views and a scathing critique of his political adversaries, critical media outlets, and non-governmental organizations. “The opposition was unable to assess… where their aggressive and hateful politics has led a section of society, and it was only a matter of time before a tragedy would occur,” he lamented.
????????ROBERT FICO:
“It’s time for me to make the first move.
And that is forgiveness.
I feel no hatred towards the stranger who shot me.
I will not take any legal action against him, nor will I seek damages compensation.
I forgive him and let him sort out what he did and why he… pic.twitter.com/qyW7Xnv8Tk
— Sony Thang (@nxt888) June 5, 2024
In a dire warning, Fico cautioned that if the current climate of hostility persists, further violence and loss of life are inevitable. “If it continues as it is now, the horror of May 15… will continue, and there will be more victims. I don’t doubt it, not for a second,” he declared adamantly.
