Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba has expressed optimism regarding Prime Minister Robert Fico’s survival following Wednesday’s assassination attempt.
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In an interview with the BBC’s Newshour program, Mr Taraba asserted that Mr Fico is “not in a life-threatening situation at this moment”.
“Fortunately, as far as I know, the operation went well and I guess in the end he will survive,” Taraba said.
The assassination attempt happened in the town of Handlova, with a video on social media purportedly capturing the shocking moment.
The footage depicted Prime Minister Fico, flanked by security personnel, walking toward a crowd when a man suddenly lunges toward him with what appears to be a firearm.
As a result, Mr Fico sustained severe injuries, including a bullet wound to the stomach and another to the joints.
The assailant was apprehended by security guards after taking five shots.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok said the assassination attempt was politically motivated, suggesting that the suspect operated the attack following the presidential election.
He warned that the country was “on the edge of a civil war” due to political tension.
“Such hateful comments are being made on social networks today, so please, let’s stop this immediately.”
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