Fico: Handlova Attack Could Happen Again, Need to Calm Atmosphere

Handlova, 15 May (TASR) - There's still a huge chance of an attack similar to the one that took place in Handlova in May 2024, Prime Minister and Smer-SD leader Robert Fico told a press conference in Handlova (Trencin region) on Friday, claiming that the opposition and the media are contributing to the current atmosphere in society. At the same time, he called on society to calm down, adding that this is what he's also been saying to himself. Fico reiterated that he feels no hatred or anger toward "that gentleman" [convicted pensioner Juraj Cintula], claiming that he was led by the "political atmosphere" to do what he did. He stated that it's correct that the court classified the assassination attempt on him as a terrorist attack, as it was an attempt to remove a prime minister because of differing political views. "The atmosphere and the probability of a similar attack are still huge. Considering the vocabulary used by the opposition in Parliament, considering what is happening at so-called public rallies organised against us, or what I read in the media, I must repeat that the raising up of another terrorist continues," claimed Fico. According to him, Slovakia would certainly benefit if the atmosphere calmed down. "And therefore, let me avail myself of the opportunity to ask and plead - right from this place, from Handlova where I went through tough moments - for such a calming of the atmosphere. But for that, we'll need everyone on board. Smer-SD alone isn't enough. We need the media, we need NGOs," added Fico. Friday marks two years since the assassination attempt on the premier following an away-from-home government session in Handlova. Fico was shot and seriously wounded by pensioner Juraj Cintula. In late April, the Supreme Court upheld a 21-year prison sentence for the perpetrator and confirmed that he committed the act with the intention of undermining the constitutional order of the state. On Friday in Handlova, the prime minister also attended a meeting with students, which he described as very good. jrg/df