BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia, May 19 – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in immediate danger following an assassination attempt, though his condition remains serious, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak announced on Sunday. The attack, which occurred four days ago, has sent shockwaves through Europe.
“The worst we feared has passed, at least for now,” Kalinak stated during a news conference outside the hospital in Banska Bystrica where Fico is being treated. The prime minister was shot on Wednesday, an incident highlighting the polarized state of politics in Slovakia, a nation of 5.4 million people.
Kalinak mentioned that Fico’s condition remains too critical to consider transferring him to a hospital in the capital. “We are all a little calmer now. We are closer to a positive prognosis, but his condition remains very serious, necessitating continued care at Banska Bystrica hospital,” he added.
The Slovak Specialised Criminal Court ruled on Saturday that the suspect, identified as Juraj C., would remain in custody on charges of attempted murder. Local media reported that the suspect is a 71-year-old former security guard and poet. There has been no public statement from the suspect or his legal representation.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok revealed that the suspect was angered by the government’s Ukraine policy. Fico’s administration has ended military support for Ukraine, adopting a more pro-Russian stance compared to most EU members. The government suggested the suspect became radicalized following the recent presidential election victory of Fico ally Peter Pellegrini, and expressed dissatisfaction with government reforms to the prosecution service and public media.
The assassination attempt has intensified calls for reducing political tensions and moderating the often hostile public discourse. President-elect Pellegrini and current President Zuzana Caputova, a Fico critic, called for unity and invited political leaders to round-table talks.
However, in a video posted on Sunday, Pellegrini expressed doubts about the timing of such talks, citing recent events and statements from politicians. “Recent days and press conferences have shown us that some politicians are simply incapable of basic self-reflection even after such a tragedy,” he said.
Amidst this political turmoil, Slovak police announced on Sunday the arrest of three individuals for social media posts expressing approval of the assassination attempt, further reflecting the deep divisions within the country.
