Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák has blamed the media for inciting division within society following the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The alleged shooter, identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, reportedly confessed to the attack during a police interrogation.
Cintula has been remanded into custody by the Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok due to fears that he may try to flee or engage in further criminal activity. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison.
While the police have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting, Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok suggested that there was a political motive behind the attack. He claimed that Cintula may have disagreed with Fico’s decisions regarding shutting down a corruption-focused prosecutor’s office and cutting off military aid to Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister Kaliňák, who is currently leading the country in Fico’s absence, criticized the media and the political class for fueling political divisions in Slovakia. He accused them of unfairly labeling Fico and stifling differing opinions.
Kaliňák expressed concern for Fico’s health, noting that while he is conscious after successful surgeries, there is a risk of complications in the days ahead. Doctors have praised Fico’s physical fitness as a factor in his recovery.
