Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico relocates to capital city for recovery after being shot | Global News

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico continues to recover after being shot multiple times two weeks ago in what officials are calling an assassination attempt. Fico was transported to the capital city of Bratislava on Thursday to receive further medical care.

The incident occurred on May 15 while Fico was greeting supporters after a cabinet meeting in the town of Handlova. The alleged gunman, identified as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula, has been charged with premeditated attempted murder and is currently in custody.

Fico underwent a five-hour surgery immediately after the shooting at a hospital in Banska Bystrica, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. The hospital spokeswoman, Ruzena Mataseje, confirmed that Fico was transferred to Bratislava for continued recovery, although the specific hospital was not disclosed.

Despite the progress in his recovery, Fico’s ally Robert Kalinak, a deputy prime minister, stated that the road to full recovery will be “extremely long.” The hospital reported that Fico’s condition is satisfactory, but it is clear that he still has a challenging journey ahead.

The news of the Prime Minister’s shooting and subsequent recovery has shocked the nation and raised concerns about political violence in Slovakia. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety and security of all public officials in the country.