Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke publicly for the first time since he was shot three weeks ago, accusing the opposition of carrying out what he called a politically motivated assassination in a video released on Wednesday.
in Recording video addressThe prime minister posted a message on the official Facebook page of Mr Fico and his party, Direction, detailing his recovery and saying it would be “a small miracle” if he could return to work in a few weeks.
Mr. Fico was shot multiple times at close range in Handlova, central Slovakia, on May 15 and was released from hospital on May 30 after undergoing several surgeries. He is currently recuperating at his home in the capital, Bratislava.
He said in his speech that he was seriously injured in the attack and that he was receiving outpatient treatment. He said that if all went well, he hoped to gradually return to work in late June or early July, according to an English translation provided by Fico and Smale.
Fico said “an activist of the Slovak opposition” had tried to assassinate him because of his political views and called the gunman “a messenger of evil and political hatred.” The opposition denied any involvement in the shooting.
“I have no reason to believe this was an attack by a lone madman,” he said.
Mr. Fico, a combative populist who became prime minister after a narrow victory in parliamentary elections last October, has suspended speeches and campaigning in Slovakia ahead of European Parliament elections on Saturday. In his speeches, he said his political views, including opposition to military aid for Ukraine, made him a target of criticism. His opponents accuse his government of eroding democracy.
“It is a cruel observation, but the right to dissent no longer exists in the EU,” he said.
A suspect has been detained. charged Slovak authorities announced in May that the man was suspected of attempted murder following the attack.
Mr Fico said he would not take legal action against the suspects or seek compensation.
“Now it’s time for me to take the first step, which is forgiveness,” Mr. Fico said. “I have no hatred towards the stranger who shot me.”
Mr. Fico openly criticized his political opponents in his speech and said he had been worried about a possible political assassination for months.
“I should be filled with anger, hatred and revenge,” he said. “Opposing a politician you disagree with is not something that is solved by shooting him. Instead, I want to express my belief that good can come from all the pain I have gone through and am going through.”
Fico's Direction party mentioned the attack in its EU campaign.
Michal Simecka, leader of the main opposition Slovak Progressive Party, denied any links between his party and the attackers. Statement on Facebook On Wednesday, he said he strongly condemned the assassination attempt and wished Mr. Fico a speedy recovery, but was disappointed with the prime minister's speech.
The opposition Freedom and Solidarity party also issued a statement on Facebook condemning any suggestion that it was involved in the shooting.
“We strongly object to linking the murderer and his actions against the prime minister to our policy, which is based on facts and professional criticism,” the statement said, adding that Fico had crossed the line by “denigrifying the opposition.”
