KDH: Assassination Attempt a Reminder of Where Lack of Dialogue Can Lead

Bratislava, May 15 (TASR) - The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) a year ago was a strong reminder of where things can lead when respect, decency, and the willingness to listen to one another are lost in politics and public discourse, vice-chair of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) Viliam Karas told TASR on Thursday. Karas voiced regret that over the past year, there has been no significant shift toward reconciliation in society, and that communication between political camps remains laden with emotion and personal attacks. Karas called for more calm and civility. "I remember the assassination attempt as an exceptionally tragic event that shook the entire society. It was the result of long-term tension, growing hatred, and polarization in the country. It reminded us where things can go when respect, decency, and a willingness to listen disappear from politics and public space. KDH strongly condemned the attack," stated Karas. The KDH vice-chair believes that there has been no meaningful progress toward reconciliation over the past year. "Slovakia remains divided; communication between political camps is often full of emotions and personal attacks," he illustrated. Karas believes that the coalition has not taken adequate steps to calm the situation. "We do not see a fundamental change in political communication; on the contrary – confrontational style often continues," he noted. mf