Slovakia’s prime minister is in a life-threatening condition after being shot multiple times in a suspected assassination attempt.
Robert Fico has been airlifted to hospital and a suspect, reported to be 71 years old, was detained at the scene.
The shooting happened in the town of Handlova, about 85 miles (136km) from the capital Bratislava, after a meeting at a cultural centre.
Follow live: Slovak prime minister in ‘life-threatening condition’
Slovakia‘s interior ministry confirmed it was an assassination attempt and local TV said he was hit in the stomach.
Mr Fico, 59, was conscious when he was flown to hospital, a spokesperson said.
He was taken to a local hospital and then flown to a larger facility in Banska Bystrica.
“The next few hours will decide,” said a post on Mr Fico’s Facebook page.
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Slovakian PM bundled into car after being shot
The man detained is said to be 71 years old. Pic: Reuters
Two people who saw the attack told local news outlet Diary N about the moment it happened.
“I was just going to shake his hand,” said one.
“When the shots rang out, I almost became deaf,” said the other, who did not want to give her name.
She said there were three or four shots and that Mr Fico fell to the floor with blood on his chest and head.
Other witnesses said the suspect had called out to the prime minister using a friendly nickname before the attack.
Slovak media said the gunman is a former security guard and an author of poetry collections. The reason for the attack is currently unclear.
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Who is Robert Fico?
Pic: AP
The prime minister was taken to a hospital in the town of Banska. Pic: AP
Leaders from across Europe have been quick to condemn the shooting.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called it a “vile attack”, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said it was “shocking”.
“News of the cowardly assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico shocks me deeply,” said German leader Olaf Scholz.
“Violence must have no place in European politics.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X: “Shocking news from Slovakia. Robert, my thoughts are with you in this very difficult moment.”
Mr Fico is a three-time premier in Slovakia and a stalwart of the country’s political scene.
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However, he is a divisive figure, with many critical of his more sympathetic stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and views on LGBTQ rights.
He won elections in September after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American message.
President Putin issued a statement several hours after Mr Fico’s shooting, calling it a “monstrous” crime with “no justification”.
In a Telegram post, he wished him “a speedy and full recovery”, adding: “I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man.
“I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation.”
US President Joe Biden said his thoughts were “with his (Fico’s) family and the people of Slovakia”.
“We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist,” said a statement.
