Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that Fico is no longer in life-threatening condition but remains in serious condition.
According to Reuters, at a press conference held outside a hospital in the central Slovak town of Banska Bystrica on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kalinak updated the media on Fico’s latest condition.
In the attack that occurred last Wednesday, the 59-year-old Fico was hit by four bullets. Kalinak informed reporters that Fico’s injuries are still very serious, and it is not yet possible to consider transferring him to a hospital in the capital. However, concerns about the worst outcome have passed.
He added, “When we hope to get closer to a positive outcome, I believe we are one step closer to that goal.”
This shooting incident marks the first major assassination attempt on a European political leader in over twenty years, drawing condemnation from the international community. Political analysts and legislators have expressed that this incident exposes the increasingly polarized and heated political climate in Slovakia and across Europe.
The Specialised Criminal Court of Slovakia ruled on Saturday (May 18) that Juraj C., whom prosecutors suspect in the assassination attempt, will remain in custody after being charged with attempted murder.
Local media reports describe the suspect as a 71-year-old former security guard at a shopping center who has published three volumes of poetry.