Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Slowly Recovers from Assassination Attempt

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is recovering slowly from gunshot wounds sustained during an assassination attempt on May 15 in Handlová, central Slovakia. The 59-year-old leader remains hospitalized in Banská Bystrica, where he underwent two surgeries lasting several hours.

Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak has stated that Fico's recovery will be 'extremely long' given the seriousness of his injuries. However, he added that Fico's condition is 'satisfactory' and that he is now accepting food. 'The prime minister's recovery is finally on the right track,' Kalinak said. 'This recovery will be extremely long as his injuries are very serious.'

Why this matters: The attempted assassination of a head of government has significant implications for global political stability and security. The incident could lead to increased tensions and security measures in Slovakia and beyond, potentially affecting regional and international relations.

The assassination attempt occurred after a government meeting in Handlová, where Fico was greeting supporters. The accused gunman, 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula, allegedly fired five shots at Fico. Government advisor Erik Kalinak, who was present during the shooting, revealed that mere 'millimetres' had kept the gunshot wounds from proving fatal. 'The bullets hit the small intestine in such a way that it was shot through five times, but the doctors performed miracles,' he said.

Cintula has been charged with premeditated attempted murder and is being held in custody. The motive behind the attack appears to be political, with Cintula opposing Fico's national and international policies, including his Eurosceptic stance and friendly relations with Russia.

The incident has drawn international condemnation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that 'such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles.

Fico has been a dominant figure in Slovak politics for much of the past two decades, winning re-election last October for a fourth term as prime minister. His coalition government has taken several controversial decisions, including halting military aid to Ukraine and proposing reforms to the country's public broadcaster and anti-graft prosecutor's office.

As Fico continues his recovery, the political situation in Slovakia remains tense. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, and heightened security measures have been implemented at key locations, including the parliament and media offices.

The prime minister's slow but steady recovery brings hope to his supporters and highlights the resilience of Slovakia's democratic institutions in the face of violence.

Key Takeaways

• Slovak PM Robert Fico recovering from gunshot wounds after assassination attempt.
• Fico's recovery expected to be "extremely long" due to serious injuries.
• 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula charged with premeditated attempted murder.
• Attack condemned by international leaders, including EU, US, and Ukraine.
• Fico's government remains in power, with heightened security measures in place.