Robert Fico, the Slovak politician:
Robert Fico is a Slovak politician who served as the Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2018. He is the founder and chairman of the political party Smer-Social Democracy (Smer-SD), which is currently the largest party in the National Council of Slovakia.
Some key facts about Robert Fico:
Robert Fico:
He served three terms as Prime Minister of Slovakia, making him one of the longest-serving heads of government in the country’s history.
As Prime Minister, he pursued center-left and social democratic policies, including increases in the minimum wage and social benefits. He also took a strong stance against corruption.
Fico’s political career has been marked by controversy. He has been criticized for his populist rhetoric, nationalist views, and clashes with the media and civil society.
In 2018, Fico resigned as Prime Minister amid mass protests following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, which shook the Slovak political establishment.
Since leaving the premiership, Fico has remained active in Slovak politics as the leader of Smer-SD. The party continues to be a major force in the country’s parliament.
Rise to Power:
Rise to Power:
Fico founded the Smer (Direction) party in 1999, which later became Smer-Social Democracy (Smer-SD).
He first became Prime Minister in 2006 after Smer-SD won the general election. This was the first time a left-wing party had come to power in Slovakia since the country’s independence.
Fico’s populist, anti-corruption rhetoric and social welfare policies helped Smer-SD gain widespread support, especially among working class and rural voters.
Tenure as PM:
Tenure as Prime Minister:
As Prime Minister, Fico pursued a center-left economic agenda, raising the minimum wage and expanding social benefits.
He also took a strong stance against corruption, though he was accused of cronyism and protecting his political allies.
Fico was known for his confrontational style, clashing with the media, NGOs, and political opponents.
His government was criticized for moving Slovakia closer to Russia and distancing it from the European Union.
Resignation and Aftermath:
Resignation and Aftermath:
In 2018, Fico resigned as Prime Minister after the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak sparked mass protests across Slovakia.
The Kuciak killing was seen as an attack on press freedom and exposed links between the government, organized crime, and corruption.
Despite resigning, Fico remains an influential figure in Slovak politics as leader of Smer-SD, which continues to be a major party.
His legacy is a mixed one – praised by supporters for his social policies but criticized by opponents for his authoritarian tendencies and ties to corruption.
Assassination Attempt in 2024:
The populist Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, in an assassination attempt was shot multiple times on Wednesday, May 15h, 2024 and left in a life-threatening condition
- On Wednesday, the Defense Minister said Fico was still undergoing treatment several hours after being shot in the abdomen and described his condition as extraordinarily serious.
- On Thursday, the hospital reported Fico’s condition as “stable but still very serious.”
- At least four shots were fired outside a cultural center in Handlova, where Fico was meeting with supporters.
- A suspect was detained, and an initial investigation found “a clear political motivation” behind the assassination attempt.
- Fico was transported by car and then helicopter to a regional hospital, as it was deemed too urgent to move him by ground.
- The Deputy Speaker of Parliament confirmed the incident and adjourned the legislature until further notice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the incident, calling it a dastardly and cowardly act. The Indian PM Modi wished the Slovakian PM a speedy recovery.
“Deeply shocked at the news of the shooting at Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico. I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic,” PM Modi tweeted.
PM Modi is campaigning for the 5th stage of the elections.
At the national level, the major political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress have preparations and positioning for the 2024 Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) elections.
The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to focus its campaign on the government’s development agenda and its national security credentials. The party is actively holding rallies and events across the country.
The main opposition Indian National Congress party is trying to revive its fortunes after a series of electoral losses. It recently concluded its nationwide “Bharat Jodo Yatra” (Unite India March) to reach out to the masses.
Other regional parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are also gearing up in their respective strongholds.
Digital and social media campaigns are to play a big role, with parties focusing on reaching out to the youth and urban voters through these platforms. The election commission is also making preparations to ensure free and fair elections. It has been a peaceful on all the 4 phases.
Contrary to his image, this time Modi is providing interviews to the Medias. It had been a long cry that Modi was avoiding media.