The attack against Fico was carried out by a “lone wolf” who had ultranationalist ties

The Government of Slovakia assured this Thursday that the attack that left the prime minister in a very serious condition, the populist Robert Ficowas planned by a “lone wolf” and had a clear political motivation. “It was not something casual but planned because there were already several attempts,” said Defense Minister Robert Kalinak in an appearance with the head of the Interior, Matus Sutaj Estok.

Kalinak assured that the alleged perpetrator of the attack had already attended a protest outside a meeting of the Council of Ministers in the town of Dolná Krupa. Sutaj Estok, for his part, indicated that the shooter was not a member of any radical group, defined him as a “lone wolf” and confirmed that he participated in several protests against the Government. “He is not a member of any radicalized group, right or left, is a lone wolf, whose activity accelerated after the presidential elections“, summarized the head of the Interior.

Due to the individual nature of the attack and its radicalization on the networks, the police could not detect it beforehand, argued the head of the Interior. The perpetrator was “very involved in political events” and the reasons for the attack were, allegedly, his disagreement with the cessation of military aid to Ukrainethe abolition of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office or the closure of the public radio and television station that Fico was planning, according to Sutaj Estok.

The two diplomats asked the media, politicians and society to calm public debate and avoid hate speech or justification of violence. “We must address the causes that gave rise to this evil,” said Kalinak about the polarization that society is experiencing.

The attempt

Fico was shot yesterday as he left a meeting of the Council of Ministers held in the town of Handlová, by a 71-year-old man, who in the past had links with ultranationalist groupsand that he justified his attack by not liking the Government’s policies.

The alleged aggressor, who was arrested, has stated that he was proud of his act and? I only wanted to hurt Ficobut don’t kill him.

Police have formally charged the alleged shooter with “premeditated attempted revenge murder”a crime that could carry a sentence of between 25 years and life in prison.