The incident has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about the political climate in Slovakia and Europe, which has become increasingly febrile and polarized.

Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak stated that Fico's condition is critical, and it is unclear if he will recover.

The shooter, who acted alone, has been charged with attempted murder and had previously participated in anti-government protests.

A lone wolf radicalized after the April presidential election in Slovakia attacked and seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The suspect cited government policies on Ukraine and the planned reforms of the public broadcaster and special prosecutor's office as motives.

Fico underwent five hours of surgery and is in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Slovak President Zuzana Caputova called for political tensions to be calmened, and Fico's ally and President-elect Peter Pellegrini urged parties to suspend or tone down campaigning for the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Slovakia's new President, Zuzana Caputova (Pellegrini in the text), called for unity among political representatives in Slovakia due to the urgent need for consensus.

Robert Fico, a veteran politician and former prime minister, has been a dominant figure in Slovak politics for two decades, known for his left-leaning economic views and nationalism.

Critics argue that his recent reforms threaten the rule of law and media freedoms in Slovakia, which is a member of the EU and NATO.

Fico has also been supportive of Russia and has called for ending sanctions against Russia and halting arms supplies to Ukraine.

Following an assassination attempt on Fico, Russian politicians have condemned the incident and expressed support for him.

Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, was shot while greeting supporters in Handlova after a government meeting.

The shooter, reportedly a 71-year-old former security guard, poet, and member of the Slovak Society of Writers, managed to fire five shots at point-blank range despite Fico being accompanied by bodyguards.

The gunman's identity and background are yet to be officially confirmed, but his son reportedly stated that he held a gun license.

The incident raised concerns over Fico's security arrangements.

The suspect was recorded in an undated Facebook video expressing disagreement with government policy and criticizing plans to revamp the public broadcaster.

Reuters confirmed the identity of the man in a video as the suspect in the shooting of Slovakia's journalist Jan Kuciak.

The government and coalition allies, including the biggest opposition party Progressive Slovakia, have been criticized for inflaming tensions in Slovakia.

Progressive Slovakia condemned the shooting and canceled a planned protest rally, urging all politicians to avoid further escalation.