Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition after being shot multiple times, Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba has announced. The update came following a critical surgery that, according to Taraba, went “well” and has given hope for Fico’s recovery.

The Incident

Prime Minister Fico was attacked in the small town of Handlova. The shooting, described as a politically motivated assassination attempt, left Fico gravely injured. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok confirmed the suspect was detained at the scene, but police have not officially identified the alleged shooter. Local media reports suggest the attacker is a 71-year-old writer and political activist.

Immediate Aftermath

Following the attack, Fico was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent several hours of surgery. Initially, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak reported that Fico was “fighting for his life,” a sentiment echoed at a press conference held outside the hospital.

Medical Update

Deputy Prime Minister Taraba provided the latest update, stating, “Prime Minister Robert Fico is not in a life-threatening situation at this moment. As far as I know, the operation went well and I guess that at the end he will survive.” Taraba further detailed that Fico was shot “from very close,” with one bullet passing through his stomach and another hitting a joint.

Political Reactions

The attack on Fico has sent shockwaves through Slovakia’s political landscape. Interior Minister Estok blamed the shooting on a climate of political hatred, accusing both the media and opposition parties of contributing to the tension. “Many of you were those who were sowing this hatred,” Estok stated at a press conference, reinforcing his belief that the assassination attempt was politically motivated.

Deputy Prime Minister Taraba, in his interview with the BBC, blamed “false narratives” propagated by opposition parties for inciting violence. He mentioned that Fico had previously expressed fears that such an incident could occur due to the inflammatory rhetoric used against the government.

Public and Media Responses

The shooting incident coincided with a parliamentary debate on a controversial government proposal to abolish Slovakia’s public broadcaster, RTVS. The discussion and related public protests have been contentious, with thousands protesting against the proposed reform in recent weeks. A planned opposition-led demonstration was called off following the news of the attack.

Footage circulating on Slovak media purportedly shows the suspect expressing dissatisfaction with government policies and state media stances. The BBC hasn’t yet verified the video’s authenticity or context, though.

National Reaction

Slovakia’s outgoing President Zuzana Caputova expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “The hateful rhetoric we witness in society leads to hateful acts.” She emphasized the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of such violence.

Political Context

Robert Fico returned to power in Slovakia after elections last September, leading a populist-nationalist coalition. His decisions have drawn criticism, such as the suspension of military aid to Ukraine in January and the passage of RTVS-abolition plans last month.

Prime Minister Robert Fico’s condition, following a serious assassination attempt, has stabilized, bringing relief to many in Slovakia. As he recovers, the incident underscores the dangerous impact of political rhetoric and the need for a more tempered and respectful public discourse. The nation watches closely as Fico’s recovery progresses and as authorities continue their investigation into this shocking act of violence.

The Information is Taken from BBC and CBS News