Fico Points Finger at Opponents After Surviving Assassination Attempt

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, after surviving an assassination attempt in May, has accused progressive opponents of fostering political unrest that could prompt further attacks. Visiting Handlova for the first time since the shooting, Fico criticized opposition parties and media, asserting they contribute to a hostile atmosphere.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Handlova on Friday, the town where he survived an assassination attempt in May. Fico, 59, a four-time prime minister, was shot in the abdomen and initially left in critical condition. The attack has intensified political tensions in Slovakia, with Fico claiming that progressive opponents could incite further violence.

Fico returned to the town of 17,000 residents for government business and reiterated his criticisms of the opposition. He told reporters that the real trauma stems from the opposition and the media, which he believes are creating an atmosphere that could lead to similar incidents.

Labeling his attacker an opposition activist, Fico's government has faced public protests and EU warnings over rule of law and media freedom. The administration has stopped military aid to Ukraine, dissolved a special prosecutor's office, and made significant changes in the cultural sphere since taking office last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)