Slovak PM Life No Longer in Peril After Shooting Minister Confirms

Post by: Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

Bratislava: Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak provided an update on Sunday regarding Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's condition following an assassination attempt, stating that Fico's life is no longer in jeopardy. Fico has been hospitalized since Wednesday when he was shot four times by a lone gunman, sustaining injuries, including a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Kalinak, a close political ally of Fico, addressed reporters, conveying that while Fico has overcome the immediate threat to his life, his condition remains serious and necessitates intensive medical care. Fico underwent two surgeries, one lasting five hours on Wednesday and another on Friday, both performed at a hospital in Banska Bystrica, a central city in Slovakia.

"His condition is now stable with a positive prognosis," Kalinak remarked outside the hospital, adding a sense of relief among those monitoring Fico's health.

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The suspected assailant, identified as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula by Slovak media, has been charged with attempted premeditated murder and was remanded in pre-trial detention by a special penal court on Saturday.

The attack on Fico occurred as he was walking to greet supporters following a government meeting in the central mining town of Handlova. Kalinak disclosed that Fico sustained four gunshot wounds, two of which were minor, one moderate, and one severe, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that had one of the shots landed slightly higher, it could have struck Fico's liver.

Fico, aged 59, assumed office in October after his centrist populist Smer party secured victory in a general election. His fourth term as prime minister has been marked by initiatives aimed at fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine, including halting military aid to Kyiv.

Kalinak assured that the government would continue to function in accordance with Fico's outlined agenda, including scheduled meetings for the upcoming week.

The attempted assassination has sent shockwaves through Slovakia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, already grappling with deep political divisions. The incident has prompted widespread concern and condemnation from the international community.

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