Slovakia’s prime minister is steadily approaching a “positive prognosis” after undergoing further surgery, the country’s deputy prime minister said.
Robert Fico, 59, was seriously injured in the attack in the small town of Handlova on Wednesday.
He is currently in serious but stable condition. Officials said it was highly unlikely that he would return to Bratislava in the next few days.
Meanwhile, a man accused of attempted murder appeared in court.
Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said on Saturday that the various medical procedures Mr. Fico had undergone were “starting to yield results.”
He said ‘several miracles’ had taken place at the hospital where the prime minister was being treated, thanks to the efforts of medical staff.
“I can’t find words to express my gratitude that we are steadily moving closer to such positive predictions,” he added.
Mr Pico was shot four times in the stomach and arm at close range while greeting supporters, and his injuries are said to be extensive and complex.
It is reported that he recently underwent several surgeries, including one to remove dead tissue.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said on Thursday that the suspect in Mr. Fico’s shooting had acted alone and had previously participated in anti-government protests.
The attack caused tension and extreme polarization in Slovakia. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak urged the country to move down a path of tolerance and accused the opposition and media of inciting hatred.
Mr. Fico returned to power in Slovakia after elections last September as head of a populist-nationalist coalition.
The country’s political climate then became particularly hostile. Although the split dates back to at least 2018. A journalist investigating allegations of high-level corruption was killed.
Amid large-scale protests at the time, Mr. Pico was forced to resign.
His re-election was a major comeback, achieved on a platform that included promises to cut off military aid to Kiev, reject Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and other arguments more reminiscent of Moscow than Brussels.
