Economist Podcasts Boiling over: an attempt on the Slovakian PM’s life
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May 16, 2024 
Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe editor at The Economist, discusses the shocking assassination attempt on Slovakian PM Robert Fico, revealing the deep political polarization it reflects. Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent, shares a compelling tale of a worker fighting for union rights in the American South, amidst a changing labor landscape. Emily Steinmark, science writer, explores fascinating research on how visuals influence our perception of time, turning mundane moments into memorable experiences. Expect a mix of politics, labor struggles, and neuroscience!
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Assassination Attempt on Fico
- Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot after a government meeting in Handlova.
- Bodyguards quickly moved him to safety, and the attacker was apprehended.
Attack on Democracy?
- Framing the attack on Fico as a threat to democracy is noteworthy, given Fico's own populist and potentially anti-democratic tendencies.
- Leaders like Zuzana Čaputova and Olaf Scholz condemned the violence.
Fico's Political Journey
- Robert Fico, a dominant figure in Slovakian politics, served as prime minister twice.
- After resigning in 2018 due to protests, he shifted to right-wing populism, aligning with Viktor Orban.