The deputy of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has revealed that while no longer in immediate peril, his condition remains critical, following Wednesday’s assassination attempt that sent shockwaves across Europe. The terrifying incident unfolded in Banska Bystrica, a Slovak city situated centrally, sending alarm bells ringing concerning the polarised political climate in the Central European nation of 5.4 million people.
Addressing reporters outside the hospital where Fico is admitted, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak highlighted the Prime Minister’s condition was still so severe that a transfer to the capital’s hospital was out of question. However, expressing a glimmer of optimism, Kalinak mentioned his stress levels had subsided a bit. Nevertheless, he reiterated that Fico’s situation was still very precarious, and so he would continue to be under the Banska Bystrica hospital doctors’ strict supervision.
This shocking incident is the first significant attempt at assassinating a European political leader in over two decades. Prosecutors revealed Juraj C., a previous mall security guard aged 71 and a published poet, as the prime suspect for this horrific incident. Judicial authorities have declared that he will remain in confinement after being accused of attempted murder.
The government has classified the suspect as a radical, a vital contributing factor being the election success last month of Peter Pellegrini, a staunch Fico ally. He allegedly expressed his discontent with the government’s prosecution service reforms and its grip over public media to the police. The defendant, who has not yet issued an official statement, is represented by an undisclosed attorney.
Adding to the intricate situation, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok mentioned that the candidate was disgruntled by the incumbent government’s policy towards Ukraine. Unlike many of its European Union counterparts, Fico’s government has curtailed its military support for Ukraine and is seemed to favour Russia on the conflict.
The unprecedented assassination attempt has instigated calls from Slovak’s political fraternities for a tempering of rising hostilities and a dilution in the often inflammatory discourse characterising recent public discussions.
Mr. Pellegrini, the incoming president, alongside President Zuzana (who is a prominent critic of Mr. Fico and will be retiring from her role in June), urged the nation’s political party leaders to unite last Thursday. They also extended an invitation for round-table discussions. However, Pellegrini’s recent Facebook video revealed his doubt over the timing of these talks, influenced by the potential reluctance of Mr Fico’s governing party.
“Many politicians have failed to show essential introspection even in light of such a calamity”, stated Pellegrini, referring to recent happenings and media briefings. The government and opposition have been at loggerheads, blaming each other for escalating negative sentiments. Three individuals were detained by the Slovak police on Sunday due to their social media posts that seemingly endorsed an attempt of assassination.