Slovak Prime Minister Fico has a ‘positive prognosis’ as his attacker appears in court for the first time – POLITICO

A statement from Roosevelta Hospital confirmed that the prime minister’s condition was “stable but remains serious.” He was conscious and “no unexpected complications arose” during the night, the hospital said.

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák said he had spoken with Fico and made arrangements to keep the government running while he recovers, Reuters reported. Fico was in extreme pain, he added, and there was always a “big risk” of further complications.

Also Saturday, the man accused of trying to kill Fico appeared in court for the first time, amid heavy security. The man, identified by prosecutors as Juraj C., met with a judge who ruled he should remain in custody until his trial, local media reported.

Kaliňák called for “deep self-reflection” within society to bridge the divisions attributed to this act of violence.

But on Saturday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba bucked the trend of Slovak politicians trying to heal social divisions. On Facebook, he accused the opposition and the media Denník N of cultivating “hatred” against Fico.