Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is currently in a stable but serious condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds on Wednesday, as stated by medical professionals.
Following a five-hour surgery, he is now being monitored in the intensive care unit.
The incident occurred in the small town of Handlova, where Mr. Fico, aged 59, was reportedly fighting for his life after being critically injured in the attack. A suspect was apprehended at the scene of the shooting.
Miriam Lapunikova, the director of the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Mr. Fico is being treated, described his condition as “truly very serious” during a press conference.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba informed the BBC that Mr. Fico’s surgery had proceeded “well,” expressing optimism about his survival.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estoka characterized the incident as a politically motivated assassination attempt. Mr. Fico, known for his controversial stance on issues such as military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, has garnered both domestic and EU-wide criticism.
Despite his divisive reputation, the shooting has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy.
The assailant was reportedly among a group of Fico supporters gathered outside a cultural center in Handlova, where the prime minister was conducting a meeting.
Security personnel were caught off guard by the gunman, who fired five shots at close range, hitting Mr. Fico in the abdomen and arm. He was swiftly transported to the hospital via air ambulance and underwent extensive surgery, overseen by surgical and trauma teams.
According to Mr. Taraba, Mr. Fico’s current condition is not considered life-threatening, although he sustained injuries from close-range gunfire.
Police have yet to identify the alleged suspect, with unconfirmed reports from local media suggesting he was a 71-year-old writer and political activist.
