Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance on Friday (July 5) since he survived an assassination attempt in May. Prime Minister Fico took part in an evening ceremony marking Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, a public holiday in Slovakia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance on Friday (July 5) since he survived an assassination attempt in May. Prime Minister Fico took part in an evening ceremony marking Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, a public holiday in Slovakia. He spoke standing at a podium at a castle ruins dating back over 11 centuries, a report by the news agency Reuters said. "We must all together build a huge dam against the nonsensical, progressive and liberal ideologies that are spreading like a cancer. They are ideologies that are damaging this country," Fico said. "They are ideologies that were created perhaps only the day before yesterday. I do not want Slovakia to be among the countries that make a caricature of Western civilization," he added. The assassination attempt on Fico Prime Minister Fico, 59, was shot four times at close range on May 15 as he greeted supporters after a government meeting in the central town of Handlova. He was hit in the abdomen and was taken to a hospital in Banska Bystrica in serious condition. Also read | I forgive the attacker: Slovak PM’s first address since assassination attempt He has been recovering at home since the end of May. The attacker was identified as 71-year-old Juraj C, who was detained and charged with attempted premeditated murder. Prosecutors this week upgraded the case to a terrorist attack. The attacker said he had wanted to hurt the prime minister, but not kill him, because he disagreed with the government's policies. The assassination attempt deepened the polarisation in Slovakia, a country of 5.4 million. Since coming to power in 2023, Fico's leftist-nationalist government has quickly shifted policy, including changing some criminal laws and cancelling a special prosecutor's office, transforming the public broadcaster, and halting state military aid to Ukraine. Opposition parties have battled Fico's government over the changes. Fico talks about Ukraine war Talking about the Ukraine war, Fico said on Friday, "We are even criticised for having a clear view on the need for a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine." Also watch | Assassination Attempt on Slovak PM : Who is 71-year-Old shooter? × I would like to express my admiration for the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, for not hesitating to go both to Kyiv and to Moscow, if my health had allowed me to do so, I would very much like to have joined him. There are not enough, I repeat, not enough peace talks, peace initiatives," he added. The Slovak PM also warned of an uncontrolled war if something was not done in the coming days and months about the situation developing in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Slovak PM Robert Fico makes first public appearance since assassination attempt

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters.&nbsp;

Fico was at one stage said to be fighting for his life after a lone gunman fired five shots and hit him four times, including in the abdomen.&nbsp;

The suspect was tackled immediately. A Slovak court on Saturday decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Fico in pre-trial detention. The suspected gunman was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula.&nbsp;

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Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told a news conference outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, "We are all a little calmer."&nbsp;

"He has emerged from the immediate threat to his life, but his condition remains serious and he requires intensive care," Kalinak, who is Fico's closest political ally, further said.&nbsp;

After the assassination attempt, Fico underwent a five-hour operation on Wednesday and another on Friday at a hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica.&nbsp;

"We can consider his condition stable with a positive prognosis," Kalinak said, further adding, "We all feel a bit more relaxed now." The deputy also said that Fico would stay at Banska Bystrica for the moment.&nbsp;

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Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said that if one of the shots "went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver".

On Saturday, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for the 59-year-old health condition was "positive".&nbsp;

"Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova had told reporters.&nbsp;

Watch: Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes divisive foreign agent law&nbsp;

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Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver."&nbsp;

The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters.

Robert Fico's deputy said on Sunday (May 19) that the Slovak prime minister is no longer in immediate danger but is still in a serious condition. On Wednesday, Fico was injured in an assassination attempt when he was greeting the supporters. Fico was at one stage said to be fighting for his life after a lone gunman fired five shots and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The suspect was tackled immediately. A Slovak court on Saturday decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Fico in pre-trial detention. The suspected gunman was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula. Also read: Moldova minister pitches his country as education destination; recalls 'Jimmy Jimmy' song's popularity Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told a news conference outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, "We are all a little calmer." "He has emerged from the immediate threat to his life, but his condition remains serious and he requires intensive care," Kalinak, who is Fico's closest political ally, further said. After the assassination attempt, Fico underwent a five-hour operation on Wednesday and another on Friday at a hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica. "We can consider his condition stable with a positive prognosis," Kalinak said, further adding, "We all feel a bit more relaxed now." The deputy also said that Fico would stay at Banska Bystrica for the moment. Also read: US holds indirect talks with Iran to prevent escalation of regional attacks: Report Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said that if one of the shots "went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver". On Saturday, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for the 59-year-old health condition was "positive". "Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova had told reporters. Watch: Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes divisive foreign agent law × Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver." The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did. (With inputs from agencies)

Slovak PM Robert Fico’s life no longer in danger four days after assassination attempt

A&nbsp;Slovak&nbsp;court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The reason... is concerns about a potential escape or that the criminal activity may continue," said Katarina Kudjakova, spokeswoman for the special penal court in Pezinok northeast of Bratislava.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for Fico's health condition after Wednesday's assassination attempt was "positive".&nbsp;

"Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova told reporters outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-juraj-cintula-the-71-year-old-poet-who-opened-fire-on-slovak-pm-robert-fico-721884">Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?</a>&nbsp;

Fico was taken to the hospital by helicopter after the shooting and according to Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, the prime minister's condition is still too grave to transport him to the capital, Bratislava.&nbsp;

"The patient is conscious now, his condition is stable, but he is still in intensive care. His condition is really serious," said Miriam Lapunikova, director of the Roosevelt Hospital.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the 59-year-old was attacked as he greeted supporters following a government meeting in the former coal mining town of Handlova.&nbsp;

The suspect was tackled to the ground and arrested. The man was&nbsp;identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pms-bodyguards-jump-into-action-after-he-is-shot-in-the-stomach-video-721831">Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Fico's surgeries&nbsp;</h2>

Officials said that the man fired five shots at Fico and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The PM was taken to hospital by helicopter and underwent five hours of surgery. He had another two-hour surgery on Friday.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver."&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters in front of the hospital where Fico was being treated that there was no need to formally take over Fico's official duties and that some communication with the premier was taking place.&nbsp;

The attack sent shockwaves throughout Europe with world leaders condemning the attack.&nbsp;

The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign,&nbsp;he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt&nbsp;military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Slovak court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP.

A Slovak court on Saturday (May 18) decided to put the suspect in the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico in pre-trial detention, a spokeswoman told the news agency AFP. "The reason... is concerns about a potential escape or that the criminal activity may continue," said Katarina Kudjakova, spokeswoman for the special penal court in Pezinok northeast of Bratislava. Meanwhile, Zuzana Dolinkova, Slovakia's health minister said that the prognosis for Fico's health condition after Wednesday's assassination attempt was "positive". "Yesterday's surgery, which took two hours, contributed to a positive prognosis of the prime minister's health condition," Dolinkova told reporters outside the University F. D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica. Also read: Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico? Fico was taken to the hospital by helicopter after the shooting and according to Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, the prime minister's condition is still too grave to transport him to the capital, Bratislava. "The patient is conscious now, his condition is stable, but he is still in intensive care. His condition is really serious," said Miriam Lapunikova, director of the Roosevelt Hospital. On Wednesday, the 59-year-old was attacked as he greeted supporters following a government meeting in the former coal mining town of Handlova. The suspect was tackled to the ground and arrested. The man was identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old poet Juraj Cintula. Also read: Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO Fico's surgeries Officials said that the man fired five shots at Fico and hit him four times, including in the abdomen. The PM was taken to hospital by helicopter and underwent five hours of surgery. He had another two-hour surgery on Friday. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told TA3, "If the shot went just a few centimetres higher, it would have hit the prime minister's liver." Watch this report: × Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters in front of the hospital where Fico was being treated that there was no need to formally take over Fico's official duties and that some communication with the premier was taking place. The attack sent shockwaves throughout Europe with world leaders condemning the attack. The 59-year-old Fico took office in October after his party won a general election and he is serving his fourth term as prime minister. During the campaign, he proposed peace between Russia and Slovakia's neighbour Ukraine and also vowed to halt military aid to Kyiv, which his government later did. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Positive prognosis’ for Slovak PM’s health but condition is serious; suspect in detention

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was airlifted in a 'life-threatening' condition to a hospital after he was shot on Wednesday (May 15) outside a government building in Handlova.

According to the journalists present at the scene, three to four shots were fired as the PM came out of the House of Culture building to greet the people. The PM was shot in the chest, abdomen and one limb. Interior Ministry spokesman Matej Neumann confirmed that it was an "assassination attempt".

<h2>Who was the gunman?</h2>

According to media reports, the assailant who opened fire at the PM has been identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula. According to “Tv Joj” broadcaster, he originally hails from southern Slovakia.

He co-founded a literary club in 2005 and led the operations there till 2016. He is also a published poet, having authored at least three poems under his name. He is also a member of the Slovak Writers' Association.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-ifbvn5CGAxXGzzgGHVBBDFUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pms-bodyguards-jump-into-action-after-he-is-shot-in-the-stomach-video-721831" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pms-bodyguards-jump-into-action-after-he-is-shot-in-the-stomach-video-721831&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-ifbvn5CGAxXGzzgGHVBBDFUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Slovak PM`s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO</a>

According to a local newspaper “Dennik N”, Cintula used a legally registered short-barreled weapon to carry out the attack.

After the attack, Cintula said he disagreed with the PM's policies.

“He was shot several times and his life is currently in danger,” the Slovak government later confirmed.

<h2>World leaders condemn the attack</h2>

The attack prompted several world leaders to issue a statement condemning the incident.

While wishing Fico "a speedy and full recovery", Putin said there can be no justification for this “monstrous crime".

"I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man. I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation," Putin said in a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova.

US President Joe Biden said he was "alarmed" to learn about the attack.

He was “alarmed to hear reports of an attack" on the prime minister, said the White House.

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"We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist," Biden added.

UN spokesman Farhan Haq said Guterres's "thoughts are with the prime minister and his loved ones at this difficult moment."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere."

(With inputs from agencies)

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was airlifted in a 'life-threatening' condition to a hospital after he was shot on Wednesday (May 15) outside a government building in Handlova.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was airlifted in a 'life-threatening' condition to a hospital after he was shot on Wednesday (May 15) outside a government building in Handlova. According to the journalists present at the scene, three to four shots were fired as the PM came out of the House of Culture building to greet the people. The PM was shot in the chest, abdomen and one limb. Interior Ministry spokesman Matej Neumann confirmed that it was an "assassination attempt". Who was the gunman? According to media reports, the assailant who opened fire at the PM has been identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula. According to “Tv Joj” broadcaster, he originally hails from southern Slovakia. He co-founded a literary club in 2005 and led the operations there till 2016. He is also a published poet, having authored at least three poems under his name. He is also a member of the Slovak Writers' Association. Also read: Slovak PM`s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO According to a local newspaper “Dennik N”, Cintula used a legally registered short-barreled weapon to carry out the attack. After the attack, Cintula said he disagreed with the PM's policies. “He was shot several times and his life is currently in danger,” the Slovak government later confirmed. World leaders condemn the attack The attack prompted several world leaders to issue a statement condemning the incident. While wishing Fico "a speedy and full recovery", Putin said there can be no justification for this “monstrous crime". "I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man. I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation," Putin said in a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova. US President Joe Biden said he was "alarmed" to learn about the attack. He was “alarmed to hear reports of an attack" on the prime minister, said the White House. Also read: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rushed to hospital after being shot, gunman detained "We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist," Biden added. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said Guterres's "thoughts are with the prime minister and his loved ones at this difficult moment." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition. The 59-year-old leader was shot five times by a gunman, initially leaving the Prime Minister in critical condition and undergoing surgery hours later. Watch in for more details!

Slovak PM Robert Fico `not in life-threatening situation`: Dy PM gives update

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Slovak PM Robert Fico makes first public appearance since assassination attempt

Slovak PM Robert Fico’s life no longer in danger four days after assassination attempt

‘Positive prognosis’ for Slovak PM’s health but condition is serious; suspect in detention

Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?

Slovak PM Robert Fico `not in life-threatening situation`: Dy PM gives update