Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak conveyed an update on the condition of Prime Minister Robert Fico, revealing that medical professionals had succeeded in stabilizing him overnight. Furthermore, efforts were underway to ensure his continued improvement.
The prime minister's health took a dire turn following an assassination attempt, leaving him in a "very serious" yet stable condition, as confirmed by Miriam Lapunikova, director of the FD Roosevelt University Hospital. Fico underwent a lengthy five-hour surgery to address multiple gunshot wounds, emphasizing the severity of his situation.
Despite the stabilization of his condition, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak emphasized the continued seriousness of Fico's state due to the complexity of his injuries. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism regarding the ongoing procedures aimed at achieving further improvement.
This tragic event has garnered international attention, marking the first significant assassination attempt on a European political leader in over two decades. The assailant targeted Fico during a visit to Handlova, underscoring deep-seated political divisions within Slovakia.
The shooter, identified as a 71-year-old male, raised questions about Fico's security arrangements, managing to fire five shots despite the presence of bodyguards. Investigations revealed potential political motivations behind the attack, highlighting the heightened political tensions in Slovakia.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany denounced the violence, echoing sentiments that such acts have no place in European politics. The incident has prompted soul-searching and calls for restraint, emphasizing the need to address underlying political polarization in the region.
