Slovak PM Fico has ‘positive prognosis’ as his attacker appears in court for first time

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in serious condition, but his outlook was improving, officials said on Saturday.

Fico underwent a second, two-hour-long surgery on Friday to save his life from multiple bullet wounds, Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova told reporters outside the hospital in Banská Bystrica. She said the leader had a “positive prognosis.”

Fico was shot four times on Wednesday at close range by a lone gunman in a brutal political attack that has not only paralyzed the country, but shocked the world.

A statement from the Roosevelta Hospital confirmed the prime minister’s condition was “stable but remains serious.” He was conscious and “no unexpected complications have arisen” overnight, the hospital said.

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák said he had spoken with Fico and made arrangements for keeping the government running while he convalesced, Reuters reported. Fico was in extreme pain, he added, and there was still a “big risk” of further complications.

Also on Saturday, the man accused of trying to kill Fico appeared in court for the first time amid intense security. The man, identified by prosecutors as Juraj C., met with a judge who decided he should be kept in custody until he was tried, local media reported.

Kaliňák called for “deep self-reflection” across society to heal the rifts that have been blamed for the violent act.

But on Saturday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba bucked the trend of Slovak politicians trying to cool social divisions. On Facebook, he blamed the opposition and the news outlet Denník N for cultivating “hatred” against Fico.