Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is currently in stable but serious condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in an attack on Wednesday. According to doctors at the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Mr Fico is being treated, he is currently in an intensive care unit following five hours of surgery.
“The condition of Mr. Fico is truly very serious,” stated Miriam Lapunikova, director of the hospital, during a press conference.
The attack occurred in the small town of Handlova, where Mr Fico was holding a meeting. “The gunman fired five shots at close range,” described witnesses at the scene, “and Mr Fico was hit in the stomach and arm.” Mr Fico was swiftly transported to the hospital by air ambulance and underwent extensive surgery conducted by surgical and trauma teams.
“While Mr. Fico’s surgery had gone ‘well,’ and ‘I guess that at the end he will survive,'” Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba expressed optimism about Mr. Fico’s recovery.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estoka labeled the incident a politically motivated assassination attempt, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “This assassination [attempt] was politically motivated,” declared Estoka during a press conference.
Mr Fico, known for his controversial stance on military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, has been a polarizing figure both domestically and within the EU.
The shooting has sparked condemnation from various quarters, with many describing it as an attack on democracy. Despite ongoing investigations, police have not yet identified the alleged suspect. Unconfirmed reports suggest the perpetrator may be a 71-year-old writer and political activist.
“Something so serious has happened that we can’t even realize it yet,” remarked outgoing President Zuzana Caputova, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of hateful rhetoric in society.
As Slovakia grapples with the aftermath of the assassination attempt, the state security council is set to convene, and the government will hold a meeting on Thursday morning to address the situation.
