Slovakia: trial opens against Fico attacker
More than a year after the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico, the trial began on Tuesday of his alleged attacker. After a government meeting in May 2024, Fico was shot and badly injured by a 72-year-old pensioner. The defendant admitted firing the shots, but denied intent to kill. Commentators shed light on the political context.
Conspiracy theories could be debunked
Reflex is holding out for a transparent investigation:
“The file contains more than 6,000 pages, including more than 100 witness testimonies. There is a good chance that the truth behind many claims currently buried under conspiracy theories can be clarified. It is quite clear that the court's statements and the evidence presented are being distorted and interpreted in various ways in the public sphere. Yet anyone wishing to form their own opinion now has the opportunity to do so.”
Wasted chance for reconciliation
Denník N finds it regrettable that the government camp weaponised the attack to get at the opposition:
“The situation shortly after 15 May last year looked almost promising. In addition to a few angry reactions from politicians [in the government camp], there were also more measured words following the brutal attack, for example from Smer [Fico party] deputy chairman Robert Kaliňák. The fact that he commented on the prime minister's condition rather than leaving it to the doctors was odd, but still acceptable. Far more difficult to accept was the fact that signs of a possible reconciliation suddenly vanished and gave way to renewed confrontation – intensified by the accusation that the attacker was a tool of the opposition.”
Opposition has hardly covered itself in glory
The trial should also give opposition politicians food for thought, Pravda warns:
“Although [the defendant] Cintula in no way denies the charges, the majority of the opposition supporters are not only questioning the investigations but regard the whole thing as one huge conspiracy. A 'theatre piece' (staged by the prime minister himself). And making a point of earnestly analysing the injuries to Fico's big toe. In fact, the whole circus surrounding the attack has reached such levels that Fico was forced to show pictures of his badly wounded and stitched stomach. How low has our society sunk?”