...
By James Bickerton
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested, without providing any evidence, that Wednesday's attempted assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico could have been a response to his alleged rejection of what one X user termed "the WHO proposed pandemic accord."
Fico, 59, was shot multiple times outside a cultural center in the town of Handlová following a Cabinet meeting. He was transported to hospital and is in a serious but stable condition following the attack that Slovakian authorities said had "a clear political motivation." The suspected shooter, a 71-year-old man from the town of Levice, was apprehended at the scene.
The shooting has sent shock waves across Europe, particularly as it came just weeks before EU parliamentary elections. Fico is a controversial figure, perceived by some as sympathetic to Russia because of his strong opposition to military aid for Ukraine, though his shooting has sparked condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Read More
Putin Ally’s Warning After Assassination Attempt in NATO Country3 min read
Donald Trump Lawyer Just Had ‘Historic Stumble’ in Court—Legal Analyst4 min read
Russia’s Only Trans Politician De-transitions3 min read
On X, formerly Twitter, Greene shared a post from "Concerned Citizen," a self-described "conspiracy realist" with 333,000 followers.
They shared a clip of Fico speaking in Slovakian and wrote: "Slovakia REJECT The WHO proposed Pandemic Accord ‼️
"Only last week Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico gave this speech."
According to the X account Fico said: "I also clearly declare that we (Slovakia Democratic Party) WILL NOT support strengthening the Powers of the World Health Organisation.
"One study after another confirms the scandalous consequences of mass vaccination with experimental untested vaccines.
"If someone had a different opinion on vaccination against Covid - they were dangerous to society."
Newsweek has not independently verified this translation.
After translating his speech the X user concluded: "Today he has been shot in public!!!! As of yet no motive for the attack has been given..."
When she shared the post Greene added: "This is great and courageous. No wonder they shot him. I pray he makes a full recovery."
Newsweek contacted Rep. Greene by email at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday to ask what evidence she has that Fico's shooting could be linked to his position on vaccines and/or the World Health Organization (WHO). The Slovakian foreign ministry has also been contacted for comment by email.
"Concerned Citizen" appears to be referring to the proposal for a new international agreement to prevent future pandemics, following the coronavirus crisis, that was backed by a range of global leaders in March.
...
The leaders called for a "Pandemic Accord" under the constitution of the WHO to "safeguard our collective future."
They added: "Only a strong global pact on pandemics can protect future generations from a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to millions of deaths and caused widespread social and economic devastation, owing not least to insufficient international collaboration."
The leaders said they hoped an international pandemic accord could be approved at the World Health Assembly's annual general assembly, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, between May 27 and June 1.
The proposed agreement has already caused a backlash from conservative commentators. During an appearance on Tucker Carlson's online show author Bret Weinstein suggested it could end the U.S. First Amendment, though this claim was described as "false" by fact-checking website PolitiFact.
Fico was elected as Slovakia's prime minister on September 30, his third time in the role. He heads a populist-nationalist coalition of his own Social Democracy (Smer-SSD) party along with the Voice – Social Democracy (HLAS) party and the Slovak National Party.
Despite Slovakia previously having been a strong supporter of Ukraine, his government refused to join a Czech-led coalition of around 20 countries that has been sourcing military aid, and in particular artillery shells, for Kyiv.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines