World leaders have widely condemned the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is currently in a “life-threatening condition” after being shot multiple times. The incident, described as an assassination attempt, occurred on Wednesday in the central town of Handlova. Fico, 59, was shot in the abdomen, and a suspect has been detained. Police have sealed off the scene.
Here are some of the global reactions to the attack:
United States President Joe Biden
Biden condemned the shooting as a “horrific act of violence” and expressed his and first lady Jill Biden’s prayers for Fico’s swift recovery. He extended their thoughts to Fico’s family and the people of Slovakia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Putin labeled the attack as a “monstrous crime” and emphasized that such acts have no justification. He described Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man and expressed hope for his recovery.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Guterres condemned the “shocking attack” on Fico. His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, conveyed Guterres’s thoughts and support for Fico and his loved ones.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen strongly condemned the “vile attack” and stated that such violence undermines democracy. She extended her thoughts to Fico and his family.
French President Emmanuel Macron
Macron expressed his shock over the shooting and condemned the attack. He shared his solidarity with Fico, his family, and the Slovak people.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Scholz described the attack as “cowardly” and denounced violence in European politics. He expressed his deep shock and extended his support to Fico.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg
Stoltenberg offered his strength and support for Fico’s speedy recovery. His thoughts are with Fico, his loved ones, and the people of Slovakia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Meloni condemned the attack and all forms of violence against democracy and freedom. She expressed her shock and emphasized her government’s strong condemnation of such acts.
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Iranian ministry condemned the assassination attempt and wished Fico good health and a speedy recovery.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Orban condemned the “heinous” attack and expressed his shock. He extended his prayers for Fico’s health and quick recovery.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
Vucic expressed his shock and described Fico as a “great friend.” He conveyed his prayers for Fico’s health.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
Sanchez expressed horror and outrage at the attack, stating that nothing can justify such violence. He extended Spain’s support to Fico, his family, and the Slovak people.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer
Nehammer expressed deep shock and emphasized that hatred and violence must not take hold in democracies. He wished Fico a speedy and complete recovery.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy condemned the act of violence and stressed that such actions should not become normalized. He called for every effort to prevent violence from becoming the norm.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Erdogan strongly condemned the “heinous assassination attempt” and extended his get-well wishes to Fico and the people of Slovakia on behalf of Turkey. He wished Fico a speedy recovery.
