Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, remains in a stable but serious condition as the man accused of trying to assassinate him made his first court appearance.
The Slovakian health minister, Zuzana Dolinková, said on Saturday that a two-hour surgery to remove dead tissue from multiple gunshot wounds had “contributed to a positive prognosis” for Fico.
Fico, 59, was attacked as he greeted supporters after a government meeting on Wednesday in the former coal mining town of Handlova. The suspect was tackled to the ground and arrested.
The defence minister, Robert Kaliňák, said Fico’s condition meant it was not possible to transport him to the capital, Bratislava.
The update came as the man accused of attempting to assassinate him on Wednesday made his first court appearance.
The courthouse in Pezinok, a small town outside Bratislava, was guarded by officers wearing balaclavas and carrying rifles. News media were not allowed in and reporters were kept behind a gate outside.