Bratislava, May 16, 2024, The Europe Today: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition following a severe assassination attempt in the small town of Handlova. Deputy Prime Minister Juraj Taraba confirmed that Mr. Fico’s surgery had gone “well” and expressed optimism about his recovery.
Earlier reports from Defence Minister Robert Kalinak indicated that Mr. Fico was “fighting for his life” after being shot multiple times. The prime minister was gravely injured in the attack, which Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estoka described as a politically motivated assassination attempt. A suspect was detained at the scene.
Mr. Fico was urgently transported to the hospital, where he underwent several hours of surgery. In a news conference held outside the hospital on Wednesday, Defence Minister Kalinak provided updates on the prime minister’s critical condition.
Since then, there has been no official update on Mr. Fico’s condition until Deputy Prime Minister Taraba spoke on the BBC’s Newshour programme. “As far as I know, the operation went well and I guess that at the end he will survive,” Mr. Taraba stated, adding that Mr. Fico is “not in a life-threatening situation at this moment.”
Mr. Taraba revealed that the prime minister was shot “from very close range,” with one bullet passing through his stomach and another hitting a joint.
The news of Mr. Fico’s stabilization has provided some relief amidst the shock and concern following the violent attack. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, focusing on the motives and background of the detained suspect.
The Slovak government and the international community have expressed their support and well-wishes for Mr. Fico’s recovery. Further updates on his condition and the investigation are expected as the situation develops.
This attack underscores the heightened tensions and security challenges faced by political leaders and the importance of ensuring their safety.
