Somewhat unfairly, Slovakia is often overlooked and ignored as a quiet and peaceful backwater in the often turbulent turmoil of east European geopolitics. The assassination attempt that almost ended the life of its controversial prime minister Robert Fico yesterday has changed all that. Fico was shot five times in the abdomen and arm. After undergoing emergency surgery, he is now said by doctors to be stable, and likely to survive his life threatening injuries.
That unity is unlikely to last long if Fico bounces back from his brush with death
The suspected gunman, whose motives are still unknown, was arrested at the scene, and has been named as Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old former security guard and published poet, who ironically once led a group opposing political violence.
Fico, 59, recently won a fourth term as Slovakia’s prime minister, and has proved a deeply........