After being the victim of an attack on May 15, 59-year-old Fico underwent surgery for more than five hours and another operation two days later.

Based on the results of the exams, today’s meeting of the medical board confirmed the gradual improvement of the prime minister’s health, the government said without further details.

The attack on Fico is the first event of that magnitude against a European political leader in more than 20 years and noted the deep political divisions in Slovak society, analysts said.

The police arrested the attacker on the spot and identified him as Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old poet and amateur writer, who fired several shots at Fico as he was leaving a cabinet meeting in the town of Handlová, 190 kilometers from this capital.

Cintula, who was charged with attempted intentional homicide, which can lead to life imprisonment, pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody.

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