Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Just a day after Danish shoemaker Ecco announced the closure of its factory in Martin German sports footwear manufacturer Lowa confirmed that it will shut down its plant in Handlová described as part of a broader production streamlining strategy adds to mounting pressure on Slovakia’s industrial labour market and the future of its once-prized footwear sector is reassessing its industrial structure with the aim of increasing production efficiency and strengthening synergies across the group,” the company said in a statement signed by Tecnica Group president Alberto Zanatta and Lowa production director Branislav Bernát the Handlová plant will cease operations by 31 August 2025.” Lowa has not specified how many employees will be affected though it stressed that it was “actively working in close cooperation with its partners to provide support for affected workers including relocation opportunities and a responsible transition process carried out with respect and dignity.” The rest of this article is premium content at Spectator.skSubscribe now for full access Immediate access to all locked articles (premium content) on Spectator.sk Special weekly news summary + an audio recording with a weekly news summary to listen to at your convenience (received on a weekly basis directly to your e-mail) PDF version of the latest issue of our newspaper Access to all premium content on Sme.sk and Korzar.sk will cease its production in Handlova (Trencin region) by August 31 explaining the decision as an effort to optimise production capacities is reassessing its industrial structure to enhance production efficiency and strengthen synergies between different companies within the group the Handlova plant will cease its operations by August 31 2025," the company stated in its announcement signed by President of the Tecnica Group Alberto Zanatta and Director of Lowa Production Branislav Bernat this decision is part of a broader strategic plan aimed at optimising production across its plants and aligning technologies and know-how to better meet the demands of the global market The company didn't specify how many employees will be affected by the decision but stated that it's "actively working in close cooperation with its partners to provide the best possible support for the affected staff including opportunities for redeployment and a responsible transition process carried out with respect for the employees" while the group also produces ski equipment it operates plants across Slovakia and exports its products to over 80 countries worldwide Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information deputy saysRobert Fico was leaving a building in Handlova when he was shot Wednesday Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's condition has been stabilized overnight his deputy said early ThursdPRAGUE -- Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's condition has been stabilized overnight was shot five times on Wednesday outside a government building in the town of Handlova according to Slovakian Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok Doctors worked overnight to stabilize his condition But the complicated nature of his injuries means he's still considered to be in serious condition was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday after a political event in an attempted assassination that shocked the small country and reverberated across Europe was reported to be fighting for his life after being hit in the stomach At least four shots were fired outside a cultural center in the town of Handlova nearly 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital the country's president said in a televised statement Fico was taken by helicopter to a hospital Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond but his return to power last year on a pro-Russian anti-American message led to even greater worries among fellow European Union members that he would lead his country further from the Western mainstream His government halted arms deliveries to Ukraine and critics worry that he will lead Slovakia - a nation of 5.4 million that belongs to NATO - to abandon its pro-Western course and follow in the footsteps of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's policies SEE ALSO: King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation A message posted to Fico's Facebook account said he was taken to a hospital in Banská Bystrica because it would take too long to get to the capital The attack comes as political campaigning heats up three weeks ahead of Europe-wide elections to choose lawmakers for the European Parliament Concern is mounting that populist and nationalists similar to Fico could make gains in the 27-member bloc "A physical attack on the prime minister is but it is also an attack on democracy," outgoing President Zuzana Caputova The hateful rhetoric we've been witnessing in society leads to hateful actions called the shooting "an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy If we express other political opinions with pistols in squares we are jeopardizing everything that we have built together over 31 years of Slovak sovereignty." "We condemn this horrific act of violence," he said in a statement NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg posted on the social media platform X that he was "shocked and appalled" by the attempt on Fico's life while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a "vile attack." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the violence against a neighboring country's head of government "Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country But politics as usual were put aside as the nation faced the shock of the attempt on Fico's life Slovakia's Parliament was adjourned until further notice Progressive Slovakia and Freedom and Solidarity canceled a planned protest against a controversial government plan to overhaul public broadcasting that they say would give the government full control of public radio and television Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Simecka condemned the violence we call on all politicians to refrain from any expressions and steps which could contribute to further increasing the tension," Simecka said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala wished the premier a swift recovery there's no place for it in society." The Czech Republic and Slovakia formed Czechoslovakia till 1992 The Associated Press contributed to this post You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times “Fortunately as far as I know the operation went well and I guess in the end he will survive … he’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment,” Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba said late Wednesday Fico was fighting for his life after being shot multiple times following a government meeting on Wednesday, but is now conscious, according to local media “At the moment he is being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of acute intervention The next few hours will decide,” said the post The precise nature of Fico’s injuries is not known with conflicting reports emerging from local media The attempted assassination on Wednesday followed a government meeting in the town of Handlová Local media reported the premier was shot several times and then rushed away by his security detail into a car A woman at the scene was cited by news outlet MNT.SK as saying that she had heard three or four shots, and saw Fico fall to the ground. A witness told Reuters he heard several shots and that a man had been detained by police The populist prime minister won a general election last September and has faced widespread criticism for polarizing politics in the central European nation with pro-Russian comments and a push to extend state control over the media There was an immediate outpouring of concern and condemnation from political leaders at the attack “Utterly shocked by today’s brutal and reckless attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in strongest possible terms,” outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) “A physical attack on the Prime Minister is first of all an attack on a human being, but it is also an attack on democracy. Violence of any kind is unacceptable. The hateful rhetoric we see in society leads to hateful actions. Please, let’s stop it,” Čaputová added in a video statement on Facebook said he was “shocked and appalled” by the shooting “We unequivocally and strongly condemn any violence. We trust that Prime Minister Fico will be fine and that this terrible act will be brought to light as soon as possible,” Šimečka also said on X A video apparently filmed at the scene showed Fico’s security detail lifting him under the arms and loading him into the back of a black limousine Slovakia’s parliament was informed of the attack and immediately suspended proceedings Well wishes for Fico poured in from world leaders who expressed their shock at the shooting President Joe Biden said he was “alarmed” to hear of the attack on Fico “Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia,” Biden said in a statement “We condemn this horrific act of violence Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist.” EU leaders condemned the attempted assassination of one of their own “I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen “I was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against my friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico. We pray for his health and quick recovery! God bless him and his country!” said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk added: “Shocking news from Slovakia my thoughts are with you in this very difficult moment.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “I am deeply shocked by the news of the cowardly attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico Violence must not be existent in European politics.” “Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere,” Zelenskyy added. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to amend the date of 2023’s general election Prices are still rising in Europe — but not as fast as in recent years Robert Fico’s government gets a narrow win as Bratislava parliament green-lights new crackdown The two countries have culled more than 10,000 animals to contain the highly contagious disease A flavorful cuisine with abundance of walnuts and vegetables Fico is in life-threatening condition after being wounded in a shooting after a political event Wednesday afternoon He was taken to hospital in Banska Bystrica by helicopter after the shooting The Slovakian parliament was suspended on Wednesday after populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting and taken to hospital was hit in the stomach after four shots were fired outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova some 150 kilometers (93 miles) northeast of the capital where the leader was meeting with supporters Rescue workers wheel Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to a hospital in the town of Banska Bystrica Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening condition after being wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon Police arrest a man after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and injured following the cabinet’s away-from-home session in the town of Handlova Fico is in life-threatening condition after being wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon FILE - Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives to a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels 2024 that Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting and taken to hospital Rescue workers take Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference after the cabinet’s away-from-home session in the town of Handlova Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and injured after the away-from-home government meeting in Handlova according to information confirmed by Parliamentary Vice-Chair Lubos Blaha FILE - Leader of the Smer-Social Democracy party Robert Fico addresses the media during a press conference a day after the Slovakia’s general election in Bratislava Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting Wednesday May 15 Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Slovakia Robert Kalinak speaks during a joint press conference with Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening condition after being wounded in a shooting after a political event Wednesday afternoon according to his Facebook profile.(AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Slovakia Robert Kalinak pauses during a press conference at the F The Slovak and European Union flags fly outside the F A police line is placed outside the entrance of the F Police and officials stand outside the entrance of the emergency room of the F The prime minister had been greeting supporters at an event when the attempted assassination took place shocking the small country and reverberating across Europe weeks before an election “I guess in the end he will survive,” Tomas Taraba told the BBC adding: “He’s not in a life threatening situation at this moment.” Doctors fought for Fico’s life several hours after the pro-Russian leader Defense Minister Robert Kalina told reporters at the hospital where Fico was being treated Five shots were fired outside a cultural center in the town of Handlova Fico was shot while attending a meeting of his government in the town of 16,000 that was once a center of coal mining and an initial investigation found “a clear political motivation” behind the assassination attempt Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said as he briefed reporters alongside the defense minister Kicking off his fourth term as prime minister his government halted arms deliveries to Ukraine and critics worry that he will lead Slovakia — a nation of 5.4 million that belongs to NATO — to abandon its pro-Western course and follow in the footsteps of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico’s policies A message posted to Fico’s Facebook account said he was taken to a hospital in Banská Bystrica Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok pulls on his shirt collar after holding a press conference at the F The shooting Wednesday of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in the town of Handlova following a political event sent shockwaves across Europe three weeks before EU parliament elections are scheduled to be held But politics as usual were put aside as the nation faced the shock of the attempt on Fico’s life “A physical attack on the prime minister is but it is also an attack on democracy,” outgoing President Zuzana Caputova The hateful rhetoric we’ve been witnessing in society leads to hateful actions called the shooting “an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy we are jeopardizing everything that we have built together over 31 years of Slovak sovereignty.” The recent elections that brought Fico and his allies to power have underlined deep social divisions a political journalist at Slovakian news outlet Ujszo.com said Fico’s return to power had uncovered signs that “Slovak society is strongly split into two camps” — one that is friendly toward Russia and another that pushes for stronger connections with the EU and the West I couldn’t imagine that it would lead to physical violence,” Czímer said told reporters outside the hospital that the country was “on the edge of a civil war” from the political tension “Such hateful comments are being made on social networks today President Joe Biden said he was alarmed by the assassination attempt “We condemn this horrific act of violence,” he said in a statement NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg posted on the social media platform X that he was “shocked and appalled” by the attempt on Fico’s life European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a “vile attack.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the violence against a neighboring country’s head of government “Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Simecka called on all politicians “to refrain from any expressions and steps which could contribute to further increasing the tension.” The Czech Republic and Slovakia formed Czechoslovakia until 1992 Associated Press Writer Justin Spike contributed from Budapest Bos  Footage showed a gunman being bundled to the ground after he apparently shot Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico As security forces tried to secure the area The incident occurred in the town of Handlova some 150 kilometres or 94 miles northeast of the capital Bratislava. He was shot soon after a government meeting while greeting crowds in front of a cultural community building where the meeting took place Several shots were heard before his security detail pushed him into a nearby car A witness said that she heard three or four shots and saw Prime Minister Fico fall to the ground She saw wounds to his head and chest. Two of the prime minister's guards quickly helped him and rushed him into a car Local reports say he was then airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital said she was shocked by the "brutal and ruthless" attack on the prime minister and wished him the strength to recover returned to power in Slovakia after elections last September as the head of a populist-nationalist coalition with close ties to neighbouring Hungary His first few months as prime minister have proved highly contentious politically he pushed through plans to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS it wasn't clear yet how serious his injuries were Thank you for reading our article. 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Just click here Today's print edition Home Delivery Robert Fico was just doing what he usually does especially in a part of the country that voted for him But minutes after Slovakia’s prime minister emerged from a meeting to mingle with supporters in the town of Handlova he was being rushed to the hospital with bullet wounds The attempted assassination by a 71-year-old pensioner and poet has left the country in shock It also quickly turned the spotlight on the inflammatory politics that have become so prevalent in Europe since the coronavirus pandemic and turbocharged by Russia’s war on Ukraine.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); returned to power last year with promises such as increasing state handouts and halting arms shipments to Ukraine Like nationalist Hungarian ally Viktor Orban next door he sought to exploit divisions over LGBTQ rights gender issues and immigrants — and depict the European Union and NGOs as enemies of the state In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Elmira native Tyler Moffe is enthusiastically playing his own version of the classic basketball pick-up game Around the World recently joined the top pro league in Slovakia signing with MBK Handlova of the Nike Slovak Basketball League (SBL) after playing for Puente Alto in Chile's top league (LNB Chile) from early January to mid-February more money," he said the decision to move to the league in Central Europe The 6-foot-1 point guard made his SBL debut March 2 and contributed eight points and seven assists in 35 minutes in a 90-84 loss to Iskra Svit has six regular-season games remaining before the playoffs The team is a half-game back of third place in the nine-team league Moffe has played in four pro leagues in four countries since signing with KK Jedinstvo of Erste League in Montenegro in the fall of 2022 which followed a college career highlighted by successful stints at Division II Mansfield University and The Citadel Moffe said it has been an "amazing" experience to get paid to play basketball while traveling the world "I miss my family and friends and certain things back home," said Moffe who keeps in touch with them and his girlfriend in Charleston I love meeting new people and making new connections That's the biggest thing for me is the amount of agents I've met and coaches and different players from all over We're going to keep going and see where it takes me." Moffe was a two-time Class AA all-state selection for the Elmira Express and went on to score 1,734 points in a combined seven seasons at four college programs beginning as a walk-on at the University at Buffalo before attending Jamestown Community College An injury red-shirt and added COVID season extended his career after a red-shirt season at Buffalo He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Mansfield and a master's in leadership from The Citadel At this point basketball is his vehicle for a different kind of education "For some Americans it can definitely shake you up a little bit not knowing the language and the food is different," he said I’m trying to work on my Slovak here; it’s not going too well "I don’t get too homesick because I’m not thinking about home too much when I’m here trying to learn the culture really embracing the people has been beneficial to me." Moffe talked about other aspects of his basketball journey during a recent interview as a point guard it was kind of tough learning the offense So it was kind of tough trying to figure out their game but we had a great week of practice this week I know the offense now like the back of my hand A: Ever since I was coming out of high school I didn’t have a scholarship offer or anything like that A: In the summertime it gets a little stressful because you know you’re getting calls from people all the over the place and you don’t really know where to go I think it’s good for anybody to travel and get new experiences Q: What stands out about the places you've played?A: South America was beautiful the food is amazing and they had the Andes Mountains Here in Slovakia it’s a very peaceful town It’s a lot of nature – a lot of hills and mountains All of Eastern Europe – I was in Bosnia and Montenegro as well – and all great experiences It’s been very cool and I’m very blessed to see new parts of the world I don’t leave my apartment without having Google Translate on me Anywhere I go I try to learn the language so I can have a conversation It’s actually been the first team I’ve been on overseas where we practice in English More: Q&A: Horseheads' Jeremy Truax on prep school, hoop dreams and late brother's impact A: There’s some really good Slovakian players This part of Europe has some really good players We have an amazing coach (Nenad Milosevic) he played professionally for a number of years I’ve been playing basketball for 20-plus years and I feel like I’m learning new things every day with him Especially when you have bad games or tough losses Learning the European game is very different Learning that is like becoming a new player almost in a sense but it’s been a very cool experience and I’m learning new things every day More: Gold medal only part of reward for Elmira-area trio in trip to United World Games A: I’m continuing to grow from where I started in Montenegro I’m kind of climbing the scale and that’s what I want to continue to do I still have that chip on my shoulder from being from Elmira but at the same time I just take it day-by-day I never imagined being here and playing in Nike SBL in Slovakia stay professional and wherever it takes me is where it’s going to take me I think good things can happen just because of the mindset I have and the work I’m going to put in I think the biggest thing is the people I’ve met and the connections I’ve made At some point the ball is going to have to stop dribbling for me and I’m going to have so much to give back to the game for the youth for anyone trying to improve because I’ve learned so much from different coaches playing with some really good players at a professional level I’ve built so many connections and have learned so much I can definitely see myself maybe coaching Follow Andrew Legare on Twitter: @SGAndrewLegare. You can also reach him at alegare@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today Populist four-time Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) was shot after Wednesday's government meeting in Handlová The Denník N daily broke the news shortly before 15:00 on Wednesday A single shooter fired at the premier outside the town's cultural centre where the government was holding a meeting Five gunshots were heard as Fico conversed with supporters outside the building "There was a crowd of people waiting outside and one of them started shooting," Slovak journalist Juraj Búry described the scene, as quoted by the Hospodárske Noviny daily "Today, Robert Fico was the victim of an assassination attempt. He was wounded multiple times and is currently in a life-threatening condition," reads a Wednesday post on Fico's official Facebook page The prime minister was airlifted from a local hospital in Handlová to the main hospital in Banská Bystrica There was little information on his condition in the hours following the attack "The patient had sustained multiple gunshot wounds," F Roosevelt Hospital Head Miriam Lapuníková said on Thursday morning It is thought that four of five shots hit him "The condition is still very serious due to the complexity of the injuries," Defence Minister and one of the three deputy prime ministers Robert Kaliňák of the Smer party said on Thursday was also associated with a pro-Russian paramilitary group The wanted Slovak anti-Semite and online personality Daniel Bombic (Danny Kollar) has published the full name of the alleged gunman Several media also used the full name of the man The police and bodyguards have been criticised for failing to protect the premier and allowing the shooter to get close to him pro-Russian Smer MP and deputy speaker of parliament Ľuboš Blaha suspended the session of parliament that was taking place on Wednesday afternoon citing news of the shooting in Handlová who was chairing the session at a time of the Handlová shooting blamed the opposition for the suspected assassination attempt "This is your fault," he told opposition MPs stating "Because of you [liberal media] the most significant statesman in Slovakia's modern history Parliament is scheduled to reconvene next Tuesday public access to parliament has been suspended which would dissolve the current broadcaster Another anti-government protest had been scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening in Bratislava but was cancelled by the opposition following the attack nationwide demonstrations have been held throughout the country in opposition to the government's efforts to undermine the rule of law The government's moves during recent months may also have been a motive behind the alleged gunman's shooting, a short video appearing on social media shows which appears to be of the suspect after his arrest "I do not agree with the government," the man in the video says Fico's coalition partner and Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko blamed the opposition and several media outlets (Aktuality "Those who have wished for something like this noting that he anticipated such an assault on a political figure Fico himself expected an attack on a government politician He talked about it in a video after this year's presidential election when polarisation in society seemed to reach yet another peak Danko also mentioned on Wednesday that "a political war" has begun for his party warning that the coalition's relationship with the media and the opposition will change have been attacking journalists repeatedly over recent months Danko suddenly told TV Markíza journalist Viktor Serebryakov to return his press card RTVS journalist Marta Jančkárová received death threats after an incident in public radio involving Blaha the coalition has been boycotting media outlets they regard as critical Fico himself has called journalists "pigs" "toilet spiders" and "dirty anti-Slovak prostitutes" investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were killed in their home Kuciak's stories about corruption prompted the police to begin investigating high-level corruption which in turn led to key figures from previous Fico governments Fico himself faced criminal charges in 2022 He had been forced to step down as prime minister in 2018 following mass protests in the wake of the murders two queer people were murdered outside a gay bar in Bratislava The original target of the then shooter was the prime minister at that time Because Heger turned out to be too difficult a target the extremist decided to kill queer people instead The hatred that is being spread in an intolerable way should be stopped let's stop," former prime minister Iveta Radičová President Zuzana Čaputová strongly condemned the "brutal and reckless" attack on the prime minister sending her sincerest wishes to Fico at this crucial moment "The hateful rhetoric we witness in society leads to hateful acts Čaputová herself has been exposed to a number of threats including verbal attacks coming from the ruling coalition and Fico himself Čaputová's term will end in mid June when she will be replaced by Hlas party leader and Fico ally Peter Pellegrini The country's three main political institutions – parliament and the government – would then essentially be under Fico's control "I am appalled at where hatred of a different political opinion can lead," said Pellegrini "If we express other political opinions with guns in the squares we threaten everything that we have built together during the 31 years of Slovak sovereignty." Political analyst Miroslav Řádek told RTVS that similar attacks might happen again it won't be a surprise," he said are to blame for the escalating animosity and polarisation in the country "This [shooting] is the consequence." Although Fico’s Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS) has written on social media that the opposition has blood on its hands the opposition has expressed uniform condemnation of the attack on the prime minister “We unequivocally condemn any violence,” said Michal Šimečka the leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) He declared that his party will cease all political activities including demonstrations and political campaigns The attack on Fico occurred less than a month before the European elections PS stressed that the alleged gunman is not a PS member as some people had claimed on social media is unacceptable,” added Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party leader Branislav Gröhling He added that the battle of political opinions should take place in discussions and with words His colleague Mária Kolíková asserted that the attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico is an attack on the country Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) leader Milan Majerský said that Slovakia cannot tolerate such behaviour in a civilised society towards anyone it is necessary to do everything to calm the society,” Majerský said representatives of the coalition keep blaming opposition politicians for the attack “Are you satisfied with what you say at [anti-government] protests,” said former MP Romana Tabak. She is running in the European elections for the SNS. Tabak disrupted a press conference held by PS on Wednesday the political situation in Slovakia has changed.” Former foreign minister and diplomat Ivan Korčok who lost to Pellegrini in the April presidential election after a campaign marked by a smear campaign launched by his opponents criticised coalition politicians for adding fuel to the fire after the attack He also asked why a session of the Security Council had not immediately taken place everyone is on social networks and revelling in fiction on Facebook," said Korčok who polls suggest is one of the most trusted politicians Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas) announced that he would ask a deputy prime minister to convene the Security Council session it was announced that the meeting would take place at 11:00 on Thursday World leaders have also responded to the attack US President Joe Biden has condemned the attack He added that the US Embassy is in touch with the Slovak government coalition MPs criticised the presence of employees from the US and UK embassies in parliament where they were listening to and following a debate on the bill to dissolve the public broadcaster Russian President Vladimir Putin described Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man “I very much hope that these qualities will help him survive this difficult situation,” the president said “Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy our most precious common good,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Leaders from the neighbouring countries were also shocked by the news Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the incident a “heinous attack against my friend” Even though Fico has refused to support Ukraine militarily in its onging attempts to defend itself from Russia’s invasion Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his sympathy saying that “every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country wanted to gift Robert Fico his book with a dedication reads the decision on the attacker’s custody and drove for about an hour to Handlová and waited for Prime Minister Robert Fico to walk out carried a Czech-made gun with two magazines The pensioner also had a gift for the prime minister - his book called “The Victim’s Message” containing a short dedication for the premier When Fico finally arrived at the barrier where people were waiting for him shortly after 14:30 fired at least four shots at the prime minister had shouted at the prime minister to come closer to him The prosecutor is also convinced that Juraj C “Maybe the distance between us was not even two metres even a blind person could have hit him,” the attacker told the police as quoted in last week’s decision to take Juraj C All the major dailies obtained the court’s decision written by Judge Roman Púchovský of the Specialised Criminal Court and published stories based on it on Thursday decided to take revenge on the government for its policies around May 13 “by harming the prime minister’s health” he heard on the radio that the government meeting would take place in Handlová in two days and decided to act PDF version of the latest issue of our newspaper, The Slovak Spectator, emailed directly to you HeadlinesLatest NewsPodcasts (new window)EnglishENHomeInternationalSlovakian PM Robert Fico shot Security officers move Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico into a car after he was injured in a shooting after a government meeting in Handlova on Wednesday Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon and taken to hospital Handlova is about 150 kilometres northeast of the capital confirmed the incident during a session of the legislature and adjourned it until further notice Fico's condition was not immediately clear President Zuzana Caputova condemned the brutal and ruthless attack on the prime minister I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Fico is serving as prime minister for a third time as a result of elections held late last year (new window) thousands of Slovaks rallied in the capital to protest a controversial overhaul of the country's public radio and television services a move that critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media The coalition government of Fico's left-leaning Smer (Direction) party approved the measure on April 24 Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon the country's pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban who has muzzled the opposition over the past decade protests were held in more than 30 cities over a plan backed by Fico to amend the country's penal code and eliminate the office of the special prosecutor that deals with major crime and corruption has been seen as being friendly to Moscow and critical of aiding Ukraine with military support as it battles a Russian invasion Fico served as prime minister from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2018 He was forced to resign in 2018 following massive protests over the killing of journalist Jan Kuciak and Kuciak's partner The couple were gunned down in their home outside Bratislava The murders led to the resignations of several politicians and judicial officials on account of their previous links to a corrupt businessman who was later charged in connection with the killing of the couple The Associated Press With files from CBC News International fugitive returned to B.C. after being arrested in Middle East International fugitive returned to B.C. after being arrested in Middle East. 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Flip-flip follows CBC News report and grievance filed by some in the workers' union RCI NEWSLETTERWherever you are in the world Radio Canada International is CBC/Radio-Canada's multilingual service that allows you to explore and understand and gain perspective about the reality of Canadian society as well as its democratic and cultural values All rights reserved © Radio Canada International 2025 including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also condemned the attack Fico is serving as prime minister for a third time as a result of elections held late last year in connection with the killing of the couple.  VPD say Cody Casey disappeared in 2022 after removing his ankle bracelet while on bail CBC News obtains travel details through Freedom of Information request 40-year-old man charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm Flip-flip follows CBC News report and grievance filed by some in the workers' union 'It was all just a joke to them,’ complainant tells London Tory House leader says party will stand with Carney in U.S Cybersecurity expert warns Air Canada customers could be ‘sitting ducks’ after couple’s travel credit stolen Officials discuss Gaza plans on condition of anonymity as Israeli military calls up reservists Country is making co-ordinated push to work with Canada amid uneasy U.S Revised result close enough to be subject to automatic recount As the Liberal Party prepares for its fourth consecutive term and its first under Prime Minister Mark Carney The airline says it dropped the case because court hearing her recollections of night that led to charges against 5 accused 1980198197988119796041979103197637119760791974871 1958921195892119372951937286193577619286831924669188794118643221811249181121218111761810939181066118103401810035180957318093741808813 say they lived in dirty housing and were underpaid Prime Minister Mark Carney says he'll call a byelection quickly: 'No games'         Handlova May 15 (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) was shot and injured after an away-from-home government meeting in Handlova (Trencin region) according to information confirmed by Parliamentary Vice-Chair Lubos Blaha (Smer-SD) who suspended the House session.        According to a TASR reporter several shots were fired at the scene and the assailant was detained The area in front of the Culture House in Handlova is currently evacuated.        The Emergency Medical Service Operation Centre said that shortly after 2.30 p.m they received information on the emergency line about a man who had been shot in Handlova "We sent a rescue helicopter to the 59-year-old patient The intervention is still ongoing," they added on a social network         "An attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico's life was committed at an away-from-home government meeting in Handlova and he is currently in a life-threatening condition," said the office adding that he is heading to a hospital in Banska Bystrica because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute intervention "The next few hours will decide," added the prime minister's social network profile Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in danger of dying after an armed man shot and wounded him yesterday when Fico was waving to a crowd in front of a community cultural center in the town of Handlova where a Government meeting was taking place Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba announced the medical update after the operation on the Prime Minister was successful Home Affairs Minister Matus Sutas Estoka described the shooting as a politically motivated murder attempt Journalists at the scene said they heard a number of shots before security officers lifted Fico into a car and rushed him to hospital One witness said she heard between three and four shots and saw the Slovak Premier fall to the ground with injuries to his head and chest The alleged aggressor is in Police custody and Government officials immediately considered this as a murder attempt on the Prime Minister Several European leaders wished the Slovak Prime Minister a speedy recovery among them Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela “The prosecution into the crime of obstructing the execution of justice still hasn’t been concluded An investigator from the Prievidza District Police Directorate is carrying out procedural moves in the case in line with the Penal Order at the order of a prosecutor from the Prievidza District Prosecutor’s Office,” said Sipavy a prosecutor from the Prievidza District Prosecutor’s Office based on an examination of the dossier scrapped a decision made by an investigator on September 12 2016 to drop suspicions into the crime of obstructing the execution of justice A copy of the resolution on relaunching the prosecution obtained by TASR states that the “perpetrator as a staff member of the Main Mining Office (HBU) via their orders concerning the drawing up of a report on the findings influenced the work of the consultative commission” TV Markiza was the first to report on the investigation’s re-launching in October 2016 citing a former head of the mining security department at HBU “The evidence that’s possible to find in the investigation dossier suggest that the entire course of the mining tragedy but mainly the causes of the fatal working injuries of the 20 miners who presided over the consultative commission the probable causes of death didn’t make it into the commission’s conclusive report following an intervention by HBU chairman Peter Kukelcik HBU reacted to the report by rejecting the accusations The tragic explosion took place underground in the morning of August 10 2009 in the-then Eastern Shaft at the Handlova mine The explosion of mining gases and its aftermath killed 20 miners and mining rescuers Another nine miners suffered various kinds of injuries Rescuers were tackling a fire that had emerged in the shaft when a blast occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m The incident is considered to be the biggest tragedy in the history of modern Slovak mining convicted three people from the Upper Nitra Mines Prievidza in regards to the incident – Ladislav H. – sentencing them to imprisonment for between five to eight years including multi-year bans on carrying out senior posts at mines The verdict still hasn’t entered into force as all three men via their lawyers immediately appealed the convictions katerina handlova is young czech glass designer who has graduated from the academy of art, design and architecture in prague, czech republic. for her diploma work she created a collection of pendants in cooperation with preciosa lighting company the second part of the endeavor has resulted in a project ‘tied up romance’ the set of pendant lamps is influenced by fashion designer alexander mcqueen  the main influence for the series was fashion designer alexander mcqueen handlova admires him for his unusual shapes and combinations of materials but mainly for his ability to create dress that are romantic and at the same time rough and sexy the lights have a sense of haute couture with its courage and individuality this is accompanied by the idea of fetishism and emotion the first type of lamp is a blend of glass the rawhide provides the functional advantage of forming the harness that is used for keeping the clear bulbs together it references the seats of horses and the erotic industry finds its origins in the japanese technique of bondage called ‘shibari’ the structure finds the right moment of balance between certain brutality of sexual subjugation and the fragility of glass simple form of object and complicated system of binding but instead uses loops that are creating ornaments on the body the pendant lamp uses special technique of japanese bondage the third device is simple modular system that can be extended or reduced according to the size of the room the bondage is applied on each piece of glass in different style all the parts are hung as if they are the figure of a woman evoking a moment of spontaneity and improvisation of the ropes as an adjustable installation the vases also serve as jewelry stands for necklaces or ballgags the ‘vessels’ serve as vases for night tables and also work as jewelry stands for necklaces or ball gags. the form of the accessory resembles a harness that holds the glass crystal piece covered with horsehair as they are made from polysynthetic lather and cut and polished glass pieces ‘my idea was to expose the lamps as people sometimes show the second part of their personalities and their everyday secrets.’ ball gag from cut and polished glass and polysynthetic leather ball gag using the diamond shaped glass form designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.  AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style