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Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliniak addresses a press conference in front of the hospital where Prime Minister Robert Fico is being treated after he was shot "multiple times" on May 15 in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, May 17, 2024. /CFP
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in serious condition and still faces risks of complications but has stabilized, officials said on Saturday, following Wednesday's assassination attempt.
The prime minister, 59, was shot at five times at point blank range in an attack that sent shockwaves throughout Europe and raised concerns over the polarized state of politics in the nation of 5.4 million people.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has said the suspected shooter, who was detained on the spot and has been charged with attempted murder, acted alone. The suspect had previously taken part in anti-government protests, he said on Thursday.
"We have not won yet; that is important to say," Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliniak said, giving an update on Fico's condition in front of the hospital in the town of Banka Bystrica where he is being treated.
Kalinak said there was no need to formally take over Fico's official duties while some communication with the premier was taking place.
Fico underwent a two-hour operation on Friday that increased prospects for his recovery.
"We are succeeding in gradually nearing a positive prognosis," Kalinak said.
"In the initial hours, the prognosis was very, very bad; you know that shots into the abdomen are basically fatal. In this case, (the doctors) managed to overturn this state and further stabilize the condition."
Fico still faced a "big risk" of complications, Kalinak said. "The body's reaction to a shooting wound is always very serious and brings (the risk of) a number of complications, which lasts for 4-5 days, which is today and tomorrow."
He said it was unlikely Fico could be transferred to the capital, Bratislava, in the coming days.
Police have charged a man identified by prosecutors as Juraj C. with attempted murder. Local news media say he is a 71-year-old former security guard at a shopping mall and the author of three collections of poetry.
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