After running a pro-Russian and anti-American campaign, Fico, a three-time premier, and his leftist Direction – Social Democracy (Smer) party won Slovakia’s legislative elections on September 30, 2023, making a political comeback.
Robert Fico, the populist prime minister of Slovakia, was shot on Wednesday afternoon and is currently receiving medical attention. The Slovak government agency claims that he is in a potentially fatal condition.
The 59-year-old prime minister was shot in the stomach, according to TA3, a Slovakian TV station, after four shots were fired outside the House of Culture in Handlova, which is located around 150 kilometers (93 miles) northeast of the capital. The incident happened as Fico was having a discussion with supporters. The report stated that a suspect was taken into custody.
Fico was taken to a hospital in Banska Bystrica for treatment, and the police have sealed off the area.
The event occurs just three weeks before the crucial elections for the European Parliament, where major gains are anticipated for hard-right and populist parties inside the 27-nation union.
Who is Robert Fico Of Slovakia?
After running a pro-Russian and anti-American campaign, Fico, a three-time premier, and his leftist Direction – Social Democracy (Smer) party won Slovakia’s legislative elections on September 30, 2023, completing a political comeback.
Opponents were concerned that a Fico-led Slovakia would veer away from the pro-Western path and towards the policies of Viktor Orbán’s populist Hungary.
Thousands have frequently gathered to oppose Fico’s policies in Slovakia’s capital and other cities.
Fico is serving a fourth term in office after winning in 2023. He previously held the job from 2006 to 2010, from 2012 to 2018, and once again from 2023. With more than ten years in the position, Fico holds the distinction for being Slovakia’s longest-serving prime minister in political history.
Early Years in Politics:
When Fico was initially elected to the Slovak Parliament in 1992, the nation was still a part of Czechoslovakia, marking his entry into politics.
He was appointed to the Council of Europe early in his career, where he learned important political skills. Fico started the Direction – Social Democracy (Smer) party in 1999, and he has been the leader of this political organization ever since.
Fico’s Rise to Power:
After his party won the 2006 parliamentary election, Fico formed his first government, which signaled the beginning of his ascension to power. His approach to politics has frequently been characterized as populist, as he uses a combination of social welfare programmes and nationalistic rhetoric to appeal to a wide range of supporters.
After the 2010 legislative election, Fico moved into a position as a member of parliament representing the opposition, thus taking on the job of opposition leader. 2012 saw early elections as a result of a motion of no confidence against the Iveta Radičová ministry, demonstrating his political tenacity. Fico’s Smer party won with a resounding majority, winning 83 seats to become Slovakia’s first absolute majority government since the fall of communism in 1989.
The Political Crisis and the Presidential Bid:
Fico announced his intention to run for president in 2014. But in the second round of voting, he lost to Andrej Kiska, his political opponent. Fico continued to be a prominent player in Slovak politics in spite of this loss.
After investigative journalist Ján Kuciak was killed in March 2018, Fico’s third term as prime minister abruptly ended amid a political crisis. Widespread demonstrations and demands for government responsibility followed the crisis. Fico resigned in response, and deputy prime minister Peter Pellegrini took over.
Taking a Controversial Stand on Ukraine and Returning to Power:
Fico came back to power in the 2023 parliamentary election. His campaign was centered around ending military aid to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion, a position that struck a chord with a sizable segment of the voting public. With 22.95% of the vote and 42 seats, Smer secured the most votes in the election. Fico took office on October 25, 2023, as prime minister after forming a coalition government with Voice – Social Democracy (Hlas) and the Slovak National Party.
Present Terms and Policies
During his current term, Fico’s administration has adopted a divisive foreign policy position. Most notably, it has declined to join a coalition of roughly 20 governments led by the Czech Republic that is offering military support to Ukraine. Fico’s emphasis on national concerns and his mistrust of military operations abroad are reflected in this stance.
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