PARIS, France: World leaders reacted with shock and condemnation after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds in an assassination attempt on Wednesday.
US condemns ‘horrific act’
US President Joe Biden condemned the shooting as a “horrific act of violence” and added that he and first lady Jill Biden are praying for a speedy recovery and their thoughts were with his family and the people of Slovakia.
Ukraine “strongly condemns”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine strongly condemned this act of violence against the prime minister of the neighboring partner state adding all efforts should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form or sphere.
Putin cites ‘heinous crime’
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the shooting a “heinous crime” in a statement released by the Kremlin. He said Robert Fico is a courageous and determined man. He hoped that these qualities will help him withstand this difficult situation.
“UN thoughts with the Prime Minister”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the “shocking attack” carried out against the Slovak prime minister. According to his spokesman Farhan Haq, Guterres’ thoughts are with the PM and those close to him at this difficult time.
EU says ‘violence undermines democracy’
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the heinous attack on PM Robert Fico saying such acts of violence have no place in the society and undermine democracy, the most precious common good.
Macron offers ‘solidarity’
French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he was shocked by the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as he strongly condemned the attack. He further said that his thoughts and solidarity is with him, his family and Slovakian people.
Germany for ‘an end to violence in politics’
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was deeply shocked by the news of what he said the cowardly attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico also calling for an end to “violence in European politics.”
Sunak says ‘terrible news’
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote on X that he was shocked to hear this terrible news adding all their thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family.
NATO chief calls for ‘speedy recovery’
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg wished the PM strength for a speedy recovery adding his thoughts are with Robert Fico, his loved ones and the people of Slovakia.
Italy in “deep shock”
Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, expressed “deep shock” and underlined her “strongest condemnation of all forms of violence and attacks on the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom”.
Iran wishes ‘speedy recovery’
The Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it condemns the assassination attempt on the Slovak Republic PM and wished him a speedy recovery and good health.
Hungary criticizes ‘heinous attack’
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against whom he called his friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico and prayed for his health and speedy recovery. “God bless him and his country!”
Serbia prays for wounded prime minister
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he was shocked by the assassination attempt on Robert Fico, a great friend of him and Serbia. “Dear friend, I pray for you and for your health,” he added.
Spain “horrified”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanche said on X that he was horrified and outraged by the attack on the Slovak Prime Minister. He said his country stands by Roberto Fico, his family and the Slovak people in this extremely difficult time.
Austria says no to violence
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer took to X to say that the attempt on the life of Slovak PM Robert Fico deeply shocked him.
