Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot in a gun attack on Wednesday afternoon in Handlova, Slovakia.

He sustained injuries to his head and chest and was airlifted to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack on social media platform X, emphasizing its undemocratic nature.

She expressed sympathy for Fico and his family.

The Slovak Prime Minister is expected to make a statement regarding the assassination attempt shortly.

More to follow…… 

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain has officially announced that he will not be resigning, bringing an end to a period of intense political speculation.

His declaration, made during a public address on Monday, follows days of uncertainty surrounding his tenure.

Earlier reports had hinted at Sanchez’s potential resignation amidst ongoing investigations into his wife, Begona Gomez’s alleged involvement in influence peddling and corruption.

However, Sanchez clarified that his contemplation of resignation was not driven by political strategy but rather by concerns over growing polarization and the dissemination of deliberate misinformation within the political landscape.

Sanchez passionately addressed the need to combat the degradation of public discourse, stating, “For too long, we’ve allowed toxic methods to corrupt our political and public life, methods that were unthinkable just a few years ago… Do we truly desire this for Spain?”

He emphasized his conviction, declaring, “I have acted with a clear determination: either we declare ‘enough is enough’ or allow this deterioration of public life to shape our future and condemn our nation.”

Sanchez’s choice to remain in office was significantly influenced by a strong demonstration of support at the Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid, where enthusiastic supporters passionately chanted, “Pedro, stay!” This outpouring of solidarity occurred shortly after the public prosecutor’s office recommended closing the investigation into Gomez.

Sanchez’s reaffirmation of his leadership role comes at a pivotal juncture as he gears up to guide his party through the upcoming regional elections in Catalonia on May 12.

The Socialists are poised to contest against the pro-independence factions currently holding sway, underscoring the significance of his continued leadership.

Britain has taken a decisive stance against the escalating conflict in Sudan by announcing sanctions targeting businesses associated with the warring factions.

Since the outbreak of fighting between rival generals on April 15 last year, the situation has deteriorated drastically, resulting in thousands of casualties and forcing approximately 1.8 million people to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Aid workers on the ground have painted a grim picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the country, with civilians enduring starvation, sexual violence, ethnic killings, and executions.

The UK’s Foreign Office has underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing that “strict measures” will be implemented, including asset freezes on companies with ties to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

British foreign minister David CameronCameron said “We continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life.

“The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses.  The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence.

The sanctions target specific entities, including Alkhaleej Bank, implicated in financing the RSF, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works, a holding company facilitating gold exports for the organization, with proceeds funnelled into weapons acquisition.

Additionally, Red Rock Mining, known for providing funds to the SAF, faces sanctions. The company’s close ties to Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, further solidify its inclusion in the sanctions, as stated by the Foreign Office.

France, currently hosting an international conference on Sudan, is urging for aid contributions and heightened global attention to address what officials describe as a crisis overshadowed by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the dire conditions faced by civilians in the region, including starvation, widespread sexual violence, ethnic massacres, and executions.

According to the UN, over 8.5 million people have been displaced since the onset of the conflict.

The World Health Organization has issued warnings about the country’s collapsing health system, citing acute shortages of medical staff and essential medicines as pressing concerns.