Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived an assassination attempt on May 18, 2024, when he was shot multiple times at a government meeting in Handlova. The suspect, a 71-year-old man described as a loner and an amateur poet with themes of torture and pain in his writings, was charged with attempted premeditated murder. Fico underwent surgery at Banska Bystrica hospital and is reportedly in serious but stable condition.
The shooting raised concerns about the state of politics in Slovakia, a country of 5.4 million people. Fico has been serving his fourth term as prime minister after campaigning on proposals for peace between Russia and Ukraine's neighbor, Slovakia, and to halt military aid to Kyiv.
The suspect was identified as a retired coal miner and former security guard who had expressed anger over the government's Ukraine policy. He reportedly wrote a book railing against Roma people and asking why Slovakia had not produced a homegrown version of Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian terrorist.
Milan Maruniak, a retired coal miner and longtime colleague of the suspect, was 99% sure he was responsible for the shooting. The incident marked the first major assassination attempt on a European political leader in more than 20 years.
The suspect's writings suggest that he may have had deep-seated resentments across the political spectrum. He wrote dark, erotic verse and poems featuring torture and pain. Despite his intentions, he reportedly told himself 'I won't shoot anyone. I'll write a book.'
The shooting sent shock waves across Europe and raised concerns about the polarised state of politics in Slovakia.
Fico leads a coalition comprised of Smer, HLAS and SNS party. The government has suspended campaigning for European Parliament elections scheduled for June following the attack.
