Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico “approaches a positive prognosis”

Slovakia’s prime minister is gradually moving closer to a “positive prognosis” after undergoing another surgery, the country’s vice president said.

Robert Fico, 59, was seriously injured after being shot Wednesday in the small town of Handlova.

He is currently in serious but stable condition. Authorities said it was unlikely he could be returned to Bratislava in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the man accused of attempted murder has appeared in court.

It was decided that he would be detained until his trial, according to a court spokeswoman.

The alleged attacker has not been officially named, but Slovak reports have widely identified him as a 71-year-old man from the town of Levice.

Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said on Saturday that the various medical procedures undergone by Mr. Fico were “starting to bear fruit” and that there was no need to officially return to his official duties.

He said “several miracles” had taken place at the hospital where the prime minister was being treated, thanks to the efforts of medical staff.

“I cannot find words of gratitude for the fact that we are gradually getting closer to this positive prognosis,” he added.

Nevertheless, Mr Kalinak said the prime minister’s condition remained “very serious”.

“This certainly does not allow us to make such a transfer in the near future, that is to say at the end of the weekend.”

Mr. Fico was shot four times at close range in the stomach and arm while greeting supporters, and his injuries are believed to be serious and complex.

He is said to have undergone a number of surgeries, including the latest to remove dead tissue.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said on Thursday that the suspect in Mr. Fico’s shooting had acted alone and had previously participated in anti-government protests.

The attack left Slovakia tense and deeply polarized. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak called on the country to move towards tolerance and accused the opposition and the media of stoking hatred.

Mr. Fico returned to power in Slovakia after elections last September, leading a populist-nationalist coalition.

Mr. Fico was then forced to resign, amid huge protests.

His re-election was a major comeback on a platform that included promises to end military aid to kyiv and veto Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, as well as other speeches more reminiscent of Moscow than Brussels.