Rasi: Society Not Calm Year After Assassination Attempt on Prime Minister

Bratislava, May 14 (TASR) - A year after the assassination attempt on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD), society has not calmed down but has perhaps become even more polarised, House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) has told TASR, adding that the opposition bears much of the responsibility and warning that a similar incident could happen again. "I feel that over the past year, society hasn't calmed down, if anything, it may have become even more polarised. I'm a politician, and I'll share my political perspective. Unfortunately, the opposition bears a significant share of the responsibility, because questioning democratic elections and constantly stirring up people doesn't bring peace to society. Everyone should examine their own conscience, but the truth is, that a calming of tensions simply hasn't happened," he told TASR. Rasi described the assassination attempt on the premier as an unprecedented event and tragedy. "It's high time that we woke up and calmed down, that we respected what the people wanted, because the government didn't fall from the sky, it was formed based on a democratic election, and we should act accordingly," he added. The assassination attempt on the prime minister took place on May 15, 2024 following an away-from-home government session in the village of Handlova. The attacker, Juraj C., caused multiple serious injuries to Fico by shooting him at close range. Juraj C. is being prosecuted for the aggravated crime of a terrorist attack and, if convicted, might face a life sentence. The trial is expected to begin in July. lin/df