Since then, the country’s media has been searching for answers. Usually very critical of Robert Fico, everyone condemned this attack.
Since the assassination attempt on the Slovak Prime Minister, the country has been in shock. Seriously injured by gunshot on Wednesday, the leader is now in stable condition. And for some, this violence is the result of political divisions, exacerbated in recent months by electoral campaigns.
“The polarization, even the radicalization of at least part of Slovak society, is above all the result of the action of politicians. We had legislative elections in September, then, in March-April, a two-round presidential election. Today we are in the middle of the campaign for the European elections. So, constant campaigning, with political rants 24/7 for many months“, explains Andrej Matisak, investigative journalist.
Many compared Wednesday’s attack to another episode of violence in the country in 2018: the shooting death of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak. Before his death, he was investigating links between the mafia and senior politicians in the country.
“Let’s use this horrific act of violence in a somewhat positive way. It would be good to see politicians from all parties come together and say to the world “please don’t spread hate“Don’t spread violence, don’t spread lies,” continues Andrej Matisak.
While the investigation continues to understand the motivations behind this attack, a man, presented as a 71-year-old writer, was arrested immediately after this tragedy. He would be opposed to the policies of Robert Fico, which has deeply divided the country for several months. For some members of the ruling coalition, the Slovak opposition and media are responsible for this attack.