Slovakian leaders in Banská Bystrica reflect on past errors while Fico battles for survival

Slovakia was plunged into a state of shock and uncertainty on Wednesday night as Prime Minister Robert Fico fought for his life at the Roosevelt Hospital in Banská Bystrica. The Euronews reporter on the ground witnessed the tense atmosphere as government ministers gathered at the hospital, grappling with the aftermath of an assassination attempt earlier in the day.

Fico, who was shot in Handlova, underwent surgery for several hours as his condition remained critical. Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that regardless of political views, the prime minister’s life hung in the balance.

The country, already divided over Fico’s controversial policies and rhetoric, found itself at a crossroads as social media erupted with speculation and tension. The Interior Ministry issued a plea for calm as uncertainty loomed over who would lead the government in Fico’s absence.

The scene at the hospital reflected the somber mood gripping the nation, with ministers coming to terms with the consequences of years of political polarization. Fico’s populist stance on issues like COVID-19 restrictions and Ukraine had deepened the divide among Slovaks, with supporters and critics alike watching anxiously as events unfolded.

As the night wore on, the streets near the hospital remained quiet, with only the sounds of a hockey game echoing from a nearby restaurant. Despite the turmoil in the political arena, the resilience of the Slovak people shone through as they rallied behind their national team, finding solace in a moment of unity amid uncertainty.