NEW DELHI:
Slovak Prime Minister
Robert Fico's condition was reported as serious but stable on Saturday, following surgery to remove dead tissue from his gunshot wounds. The man accused of attempting to assassinate him faced his first
court appearance
on the same day.
Fico underwent a two-hour surgery on Friday at the University FD Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystric, where he was taken by helicopter after being shot in the abdomen while greeting supporters in Handlova.
Despite the severity of his injuries,
government ministers
expressed optimism about his recovery. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said, "Several miracles have occurred ... in the past few days, coming from the hands of the doctors, nurses and entire medical staff."
Meanwhile, the suspect, reportedly a 71-year-old retiree and amateur poet, appeared in court at the specialised criminal court in Pezinok, where prosecutors sought an order to detain him. The courthouse was heavily guarded by armed police, and media access was restricted. Police also searched the suspect's home in Levice, seizing a computer and documents.
Fico, a controversial figure in Slovakia and beyond, has faced criticism for his pro-Russia and anti-American stance since returning to power last year. His government's efforts to overhaul public broadcasting and amend the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor have raised concerns about a potential shift towards autocracy. Thousands of demonstrators have protested his policies across the country.
Despite Fico's absence, the government continues to operate as planned, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday under the leadership of Defense Minister Kalinak. Communication with Fico remains limited due to his condition, but there are no imminent issues requiring the premier's immediate attention.
(With inputs from AP)
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