Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was shot on Wednesday, underwent "another surgery" and remains in critical condition, plunging the country into a state of anticipation and uncertainty just three weeks before the European elections. The alleged shooter, whose motives were reportedly "political" according to police, is set to appear in court tomorrow, Saturday.
Two days after the attack, which occurred while the 59-year-old Prime Minister was greeting supporters in central Slovakia, Fico is still in intensive care. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak stated during a press conference at the Banska Bystrica hospital that "he underwent a nearly two-hour surgery." He added, "His condition remains very serious, and we may need to wait a few days to see how things develop."
Elected President Peter Pellegrini announced on Thursday, after speaking with Fico for "a few minutes," that "he is able to talk but only to say a few sentences." A medical council is scheduled to meet on Monday to evaluate the next steps in treatment. Pellegrini told TA3 news that they "will decide whether he will continue receiving treatment in Banska Bystrica or if he can be transferred closer to his home" in the capital, Bratislava. The Slovak president mentioned that Fico did not lose consciousness after the attack, adding, "He remembers the shooting and was surprised that it could happen and the speed at which the assault occurred."
- Suspect's Home Search
Investigations are ongoing to understand more about the motives of the suspect, who media reports indicate is a 71-year-old retiree. The "Pezinok" court (southwest) announced that he will be heard on Saturday on charges of attempted murder to decide on his pre-trial detention. The suspect is a hobbyist writer who founded a movement "against violence." However, he appears to be an angry individual who decided independently to carry out the attack following the presidential elections held in April, which were won by Peter Pellegrini, a close ally of Fico.
In search of evidence, police raided his home on Friday in the city of "Levice," located 80 kilometers from the site of the attack. Investigators escorted him to the house he lived in with his wife while he was wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, according to footage broadcast by Markiza TV. The television reported, "The police stayed in the apartment for several hours... and took with them a computer and documents." The police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
"Stable Country"
The attack has shocked Slovakia and raised fears of further violence in the country. However, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, sought to reassure the public. He confirmed on Friday that "the country is completely stable, just as the patient's condition is stable." He told reporters, "The government is functioning, and there are Deputy Prime Ministers... I don't see any problems."
