The government portrayed him as a “lone wolf,” an eccentric individual acting on his own when he shot at least four bullets at Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia. However, the assassination attempt has shed light on a broader societal dysfunction in Slovakia. The country is deeply divided, with political culture and society so polarized that even the violence from a supposedly lone actor has become a tool for each side to attack the other.
The suspect, a 71-year-old pensioner with a penchant for poetry and protests, was swiftly apprehended and charged with attempted premeditated murder. Although not publicly identified by authorities, Slovak news outlets have named him. Supporters of Mr. Fico view him as a carrier of a liberal virus that must be eradicated, while critics paint him as a right-wing extremist.
The country’s interior minister warned of the looming threat of civil war, blaming the political polarization and hatred that has been sown. Accusations have been hurled from both sides, with government officials blaming liberal journalists and opposition politicians for instigating the violence.
Mr. Fico, a controversial figure pushing for a judiciary overhaul and crackdown on corruption investigations, mirrors the right-wing nationalist leader of Hungary, Viktor Orban. The country’s deep divisions stem from its tumultuous history under various ruling powers, leading to a divisive style of politics.
The shooting of Mr. Fico, a veteran politician, has further heightened tensions in the country, which has been in a constant state of political campaigning. The current president called for unity and a cessation of hateful rhetoric, emphasizing the need to calm down the situation.
Slovakia’s toxic online environment, fueled by disinformation and attacks on domestic critics, has exacerbated the country’s divisions. Mr. Fico, once a communist party member turned right-wing nationalist, has managed to maintain his political career despite facing backlash over government corruption scandals.
The assassination attempt on Mr. Fico, a powerful and polarizing figure in Slovak politics, serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted societal issues and political tensions in the country.