Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, has expressed his sympathies to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico over Wednesday’s shooting that left him seriously injured. In the letter addressed to Pavol Hamzik, the Slovak ambassador accredited to Budapest, Karácsony wished Fico a speedy recovery, expressing hope that his attacker would face trial as soon as possible. Karácsony said the „horrific and violent act” was not just an attack on an elected official, but also on the democratic values that both nations held dear. He said Hungary and Slovakia’s ties were rooted in their shared history, mutual respect for each other and their „joint efforts for a peaceful and prosperous future”. „The attack against Slovakia’s democracy is an attack on democracy in general, and it is vital that we take a united stand against such threats,” the mayor said. He expressed Budapest’s and Hungary’s solidarity with Slovakia, asking Slovakia’s ambassador to convey the sympathies of Budapest’s residents to Fico and the Slovak people. „Budapest is prepared to help its Slovak friends and neighbours in any way possible,” he added.