Slovak PM suffers attempt on his life, taken to hospital

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot after a government meeting and taken to the hospital.

As reported by Aktuality, the spokesperson for the country’s Interior Minister Matej Neumann acknowledged that the Slovak government's leader was attacked.

According to Aktuality, the wounded Slovak premier was transported to the hospital by helicopter.

Denník N added that bullets were fired in front of the House of Culture during a cabinet meeting while the prime minister addressed the crowd.

A journalist from the publication reported he was nearby and heard many shots being fired, but did not witness the incident. Then he saw soldiers pull Fico from the ground, place him in a car and drive away.

Witnesses say the prime minister approached those who greeted him, at which point numerous bullets were fired. Following that, the government leader collapsed to the ground.

The police detained the suspected attacker and blocked off the area. At the same moment, those inside the House of Culture were evacuated. Security ensured the safety of the other members of the cabinet.

Previously, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico opposed sending Slovak soldiers to Ukraine.

He also characterised the Slovaks' successful collecting of donations for weapons for Ukraine a symbolic gesture and insulted it with a remark about "farting."

Prior to that, on 24 April, the Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, approved a reform of the country's public broadcasting, which includes the termination of the present broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS). As a result, massive protests erupted around the country.