Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico Delivers First Address Since Shooting, Blames Opposition for "Hatred"

Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, has been recovering from an assassination attempt on May 15. In a series of statements, Fico has blamed his political opponents for fostering hatred that led to the attack. He has also forgiven his attacker, identified as 71-year-old Juraj C, and expressed no hatred towards him. In a video address, Fico stated that it would be a "minor miracle" if he could return to work in weeks. He did not file any charges or seek compensation for the attack, saying that he does not believe his attacker acted alone. Instead, he believes that the opposition is responsible for creating an environment of hatred and political animosity. Fico has described the shooter as an "activist of the Slovak opposition" and a "messenger of evil and political hatred." He warned that if the current situation continues, more attacks like this will occur.