On Wednesday 15 May, the Presidents of the European Council, Charles Michel, the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, condemned in the strongest possible terms the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Handlová.
“Nothing can justify such violence”, said Mr Michel, expressing his “shock”. “Such acts of violence have no place in our society”, said Ms von der Leyen. “My thoughts are with Mr Fico and his family at this difficult time”, added Ms Metsola.
On behalf of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, Alexander De Croo condemned “an attack on democracy”.
Back in power since September 2023, the Slovak populist leader was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds from close range. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)