BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Slovakian Top Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening situation after being wounded in a capturing after a political match Wednesday afternoon, an episode of violence that punctuated his lengthy occupation spanning many years in politics.
Fico, 59, returned to energy in Slovakia final yr. Having in the past served two times as top minister, from 2006 to 2010 and once more from 2012 to 2018, his 3rd time period made him the longest-serving head of presidency in Slovakia’s historical past.
He and his celebration Smer (Route) have maximum incessantly been described as left-populist, although he has additionally been in comparison to right-wing politicians just like the nationalist top minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán.
After 5 years in opposition, Fico’s celebration gained parliamentary elections final yr on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. He vowed to carry an finish to Slovakia offering Ukraine with army give a boost to because it battled Russia’s full-scale invasion, and has argued that NATO and the USA provoked Moscow into conflict.
After his election victory, the brand new executive instantly halted palms deliveries to Ukraine. 1000’s again and again took to the streets throughout Slovakia to rally towards Fico’s pro-Russian and different insurance policies, together with plans to amend the penal code to do away with a distinct anti-graft prosecutor and to take regulate of the general public media.
Fico’s go back to energy led to worry amongst his critics that he and his celebration — which had lengthy been tainted via scandal — would lead Slovakia clear of its pro-Western route. He vowed to pursue a “sovereign” international coverage, promised a difficult stance towards migration and non-governmental organizations, and campaigned towards LGBTQ+ rights.
He earned a name for his tirades towards reporters, and confronted legal fees in 2022 for allegedly making a legal team and misuse of energy. In 2018, he and his executive stepped down amid controversy after Slovakian investigative journalist Ján Kuciak used to be murdered together with his fiancée. Kuciak were reporting on tax-related crimes implicating high-level Slovak politicians.
apnews.com
