Slovakia's Fico Marks Second Anniversary of Shooting with Display of Strength

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico marked the second anniversary of the assassination attempt on his life by posting a video on social media platform X, showcasing his physical resilience. In the clip, Fico is seen performing push-ups and swimming in a lake, accompanied by the message, "Remember: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger." The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, when Fico was shot multiple times after a government meeting in Handlová, leaving him fighting for his life. The attacker, Juraj Cintula, a 72-year-old poet and activist, was sentenced to 21 years in prison in October 2025. Following the shooting, Fico publicly forgave the assailant but blamed the Slovak political opposition for fostering a hostile climate that contributed to the attack. This recent display serves as a symbolic assertion of his survival and political endurance. The article also notes Fico's attendance at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 9, 2026, highlighting his continued active role in international diplomacy despite the past trauma.