Banská Bystrica: Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, continues to grapple with serious health concerns but has shown signs of stabilization following an assassination attempt on Wednesday, officials disclosed on Saturday.
The 59-year-old Prime Minister was targeted in a brazen attack where he was shot five times at point-blank range, sending shockwaves across Europe and highlighting the heightened political tensions within the nation of 5.4 million people.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that the suspected assailant, who was apprehended at the scene and charged with attempted murder, acted independently. Notably, the suspect had participated in anti-government demonstrations, as revealed by Estok on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliniak provided an update on Fico’s condition outside the hospital in Banka Bystrica, where the Prime Minister is undergoing treatment, emphasizing that the battle is ongoing.
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Kalinak conveyed that although Fico’s official duties do not require formal transfer at the moment, some communication with him is being maintained. Fico underwent a two-hour surgery on Friday, which has improved the outlook for his recovery.
“We are gradually moving towards a positive prognosis,” stated Kalinak. “In the initial hours, the prognosis was extremely bleak, considering abdominal gunshot wounds are typically fatal. However, the medical team managed to stabilize his condition.”
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Despite the positive developments, Fico still faces significant risks of complications, Kalinak warned, highlighting the critical nature of gunshot wounds and the potential for complications over the next few days.
Regarding potential transfer to the capital, Bratislava, Kalinak expressed doubts about its feasibility in the immediate future.
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Police have formally charged a man identified as Juraj C. with attempted murder. Local media reports suggest he is a 71-year-old former security guard at a shopping mall and a published poet.
Since his return to office as Prime Minister last October, Fico has swiftly implemented policy changes, drawing criticism from opposition figures who perceive it as a power consolidation move. Notably, his government has reevaluated support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia and has initiated reforms within the public broadcaster, sparking concerns about media freedom.
