UK's Sunak 'shocked' by shooting of Slovak counterpart Fico

Stranger

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “shocked” by the “terrible news” that his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico had been shot dead.

Fico is in life-threatening condition after being injured in a shooting in the town of Handlova.

The Prime Minister said on X, formerly Twitter: “Shocked to hear this terrible news.

“All our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family.”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “Shocking news from Slovakia. My thoughts are with Robert Fico and his family.

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “shocked by this appalling attack”, adding: “Violence like this is an attack on democracy which must be condemned in the strongest terms . »

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was a “horrific attack”, adding: “I wish him all the strength and a speedy recovery.”

Fico became prime minister for the third time after his party won Slovakia’s September 30 parliamentary elections, making a political comeback after campaigning on a pro-Russian, anti-US message.

European Council President Charles Michel said: “I am shocked by the news of the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico after a Slovak cabinet meeting in Handlova.

“Nothing can ever justify violence or such attacks.

“My thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family.” (PA Media/dpa/NAN)

-May 15, 2024 at 6:32 p.m. GMT|

Keywords: President Charles Michel Rishi Sunak Robert Fico