BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance Friday since being seriously wounded in an assassination attempt, attacking his liberal political opponents and praising his Hungarian counterpart.
Fitcho is recuperating at home from multiple wounds he received in the May 15 attack, when he was shot in the abdomen as he greeted supporters in the town of Handlova, about 140 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of the capital.
The suspect, identified only as JC, was quickly arrested and is being charged with terrorism.
Fico was speaking on stage at an evening rally marking the 1,161st anniversary of the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a national holiday in the country.
When he arrived at the capital, Devin Castle, people welcomed him with a standing ovation.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico forgives gunman, blames liberal media and George Soros for stoking hatred against populists https://t.co/KEOIrpO7oz
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) June 6, 2024
In his speech, Fico, who was onstage, attacked what he called liberal and progressive ideas and praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Kiev and Moscow.
President Fico ended his country’s military aid to Ukraine after a coalition government was formed on October 25. He also opposes EU sanctions against Russia and wants to block Ukraine from joining NATO.
He has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond, and was returned to power for a fourth time last year after his left-wing Smer (Direction) party, which campaigned on a pro-Russia, anti-American message, won parliamentary elections last September.
Critics fear Slovakia will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the lead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Hungary.
Thousands of people have held repeated rallies in the capital and across Slovakia to protest against President Fico’s policies.
Slovakian gunman confesses to attack over views on Ukraine war https://t.co/iNd9g0UO2q
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) May 24, 2024
