Slovak Officials: Fico's Health Condition After Surgery Critical but Stable

Ministers of Robert Fico's government, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, stated that his condition after surgery on Friday, May 28, is "critical but stable." According to the Associated Press, Robert Fico was transferred to a hospital in the city of Banská Bystrica after an assassination attempt on Wednesday, May 26, and has undergone several surgeries. The assailant targeted him during a meeting with supporters outside the cultural house in the city of Handlová, severely injuring him. Robert Kalinak, the Slovak Minister of Defense, told reporters outside the hospital that several "miracles" have occurred in recent days as a result of the medical team's efforts. He expressed gratitude to the medical staff, stating that the Prime Minister's condition is continuously improving. Meanwhile, the prosecutor has requested the police not to disclose the identity of the assailant, but according to unconfirmed media reports, he is a 71-year-old poet and writer who may have previously worked as a security guard at a shopping center in southwestern Slovakia. Several Slovak media outlets have interviewed the assailant's child and neighbors. According to government officials, this man claims to have attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister for political reasons but is not a member of any political group or party. He appeared in his first court session on Saturday, May 29, in a small town outside Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This session was held under strict security measures and without media presence. Given Slovakia's strict laws, it is still unclear how the assailant managed to obtain a weapon. Slovakia has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in Europe, and as a result, gun-related crimes are rare. Many countries around the world have condemned the assassination attempt on the Slovak Prime Minister. The 59-year-old Robert Fico is considered a controversial figure both in Slovakia and abroad. Fico returned to power last year for the fourth time, but his support for Russia and anti-American stance have raised concerns among EU and NATO member states. One of the main concerns is Slovakia's drift away from the West and the potential lack of support for Ukraine in the Russian military invasion of the country. At the onset of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Slovakia was a strong supporter of Kyiv, but Robert Fico halted the delivery of arms to Ukraine after returning to power. Some of Fico's domestic policies, such as attempts to control public media or eliminate the special prosecutor against corruption, have faced serious opposition in the country. Critics say he is leading the country toward tyranny and autocracy. In recent months, various cities in Slovakia have witnessed widespread protests against Robert Fico and his government's policies. The Slovak Minister of Defense stated: Robert Fico's life is no longer in danger. The Associated Press reported: European parliamentary elections are being held amid attacks on politicians. Slovakia: Several NATO and EU members are considering sending forces to Ukraine.