Slovak Prime Minister Forgives Would-be Assassin in First Public Statement

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke publicly for the first time after surviving an assassination attempt. He said he doesn't hate the person who tried to harm him. Fico believes the attacker was influenced by political hatred and evil. The Prime Minister thinks his views on Russia, NATO, and the U.S. made him a target. He stopped military aid to Ukraine and opposes EU sanctions on Russia and Ukraine joining NATO. Fico feels the opposition in Slovakia is aggressive and doesn't respect his party's opinions. Fico was shot multiple times on May 15 but survived. The attacker was arrested and had a political motive. Fico forgave the attacker and doesn't plan to take legal action. He aims to return to work by the end of June or early July. Fico criticized the opposition for spreading political hatred. He believes his different views from the European mainstream made him a target. Fico was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. He underwent two surgeries to treat his wounds. His government's actions, like controlling public broadcasting and changing the penal code, have raised concerns about his leadership style. Critics fear he may lead Slovakia towards a more autocratic direction.