“In a tense international situation, when two wars are going on, Europe must maintain its democratic status and fight all forms of extremism,” says researcher Antonio Villafranca.
to the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Ficoon this week’s attack is seen as a deeply worrying sign of Europe’s divisiveness. Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán also startled the researchers with his strange comment.
In an interview with a Hungarian radio station, Orbán described Fico as a “peace-promoting ally”.
“We need strong voices for peace in the midst of a pro-war political climate. We needed a Slovakia that supports peace. This support has now been lost,” the Hungarian Prime Minister said.
Researchers interpret the statement as a statement on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Both Orbán and Fico have been very reluctant to help and support Ukraine.
“No, Mr. Orbán. The recent attack on Robert Fico does not affect the direction of war and peace in Europe. Water down your rhetoric as this can increase division and violence. Aren’t you a pacifist”, professor of European law Alberto Alemanno replied to Orbán on the messaging service X.
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Both the Eurasia Group, which specializes in analyzing geopolitical risks, and the Italian foreign policy institute ISPI warn of a wider worrying development in Europe.
The researchers remind that in Germany the top candidate of the social democratic group of the European Parliament Matthias Corner was recently beaten at a campaign event in Dresden. According to news agencies, green politicians have also been attacked, and Berlin’s former Social Democratic mayor Franziska Giffeytä was hit on the head and neck with a hard object the other week.
“The increase in violence is worrying. It is indicative that these also occur in Germany, where several political figures have been attacked in recent weeks. In a tense international situation, with two wars going on, Europe must maintain its democratic status and combat all forms of extremism”, Deputy Director of ISPI, Researcher Antonio Villafranca write in his comment.
The Eurasia Group’s weekly review warns that attacks on politicians are becoming more common across the EU, as polarizing rhetoric creates an increasing framework for physical attacks.
“When there are only three weeks until the European Parliament elections, we will closely monitor whether Fico’s life-threatening act scares people directly, or whether it opens the way for new violence,” the review comments.
News agency Reuters according to Robert Fico, he underwent another surgery on Friday. Doctors describe his condition as serious.
According to the Slovakian special court, the man suspected of being Fico’s shooter is charged with attempted murder, and the court will hear the case for the first time today, Saturday.