Slovak prime minister in critical condition after assassination attempt

Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Figo, was seriously wounded by bullets Wednesday morning during an assassination attempt after leaving his cabinet meeting in Huntloa, in the center of the country.

The head of the Slovak government Mr. Figo was leaving a meeting with members of his government to greet people when a man shot him on the side of the street and wounded him.

According to initial reports, he was hit by at least three projectiles in the leg, stomach and chest. The politician was quickly whisked away in his company car by agents of his close bodyguard.

A few meters away, on the sidewalk, police officers handcuffed the alleged shooter. According to local media, he is a 71-year-old from Lewes.

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The prime minister was taken to a hospital in Handlova, where he was treated in a cardiac surgery unit before being transferred by helicopter to a facility in Banska Bystrica. According to the Slovak government, the 59-year-old Mr. Figo is in critical condition.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Slovak Interior Minister announced that after a 3 hour and 30 minute operation, Prime Minister Figo was still in the operating room and his life was in danger.

We have been told by the doctors that the Prime Minister’s condition is critical, his life is in danger and he is still in the operation room.

A “political aggression”

The Defense Minister told reporters on Wednesday that the firing attack against the head of government was politically motivated.

What happened was a political attack. This is perfectly clear and we must respond accordinglyRobert Galiniak announced that Mr. During a press conference held at the hospital where Figo was operated on.

Shortly after the tragedy, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova condemned the attack Cruel and reckless with guns against the Prime Minister.

I was shocked. I wish Robert Figo strength at this critical time to recover from this cruel and reckless attack.The outgoing president said in a press release.

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Recognized as a populist politician, Robert Figo has been the leader of the SMER – Social Democratic Party since 1999. Repeatedly accused of being pro-Russian because of his opposition to military aid to Ukraine, he has always defended his alignment with Moscow. Pledges to support keeping its country within the EUNATO.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been one of the key elements of the recent presidential election campaign in the country of 5.4 million people, especially since Robert Figo, a longtime ally of presidential winner Peter Pellegrini, has questioned Q’s sovereignty. He advocated peace with Moscow.

Reactions to the announcement of the attack were swift around the world, with unanimous condemnation from Slovakia’s neighbors and allies, as well as the European Union andNATO.

With information from Agence France-Presse and NBC