Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:52pm on 16 May 2024,Thursday International
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in "very serious" condition after being shot five times in Handlova. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak confirms Fico's stable but critical state following emergency surgery. The alleged attacker, a 71-year-old writer, acted alone and had joined anti-government protests. President-elect Peter Pellegrini reports Fico can speak briefly but is fatigued. The incident prompts calls for political calm from President Zuzana Caputova and a suspension of campaigning before European Parliament elections. Global leaders condemn the attack, with Russia calling it "absolutely unacceptable." Fico's government has faced polarized debate and policy shifts since his return to power.
