Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing health challenges that have led to the cancellation of several public appearances and events, raising questions about his upcoming schedule. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt on May 15, 2024, has been grappling with the aftermath of his injuries, which have reportedly impacted his ability to fulfill his duties.
On May 1, 2025, Fico was scheduled to participate in Labor Day celebrations, including a symbolic shift at a bakery in Nitra and a speech in Liptovský Mikuláš. However, his office announced the cancellation of these plans without providing specific details. This decision followed his absence from a debate with former Czech President Miloš Zeman, who later remarked that Fico was feeling unwell due to the lingering effects of his injuries.
In a recent social media post, Fico expressed that he had "a different vision of what the working program should look like" for May 1, hinting at the difficulties he has been facing. He acknowledged that his condition had worsened, stating, "Dear friends, the injury I sustained during the assassination attempt has been causing me pain in recent days. I have had to cancel parts of my schedule." This admission has sparked concern among his supporters and the public about his health and ability to lead.
Despite these health issues, Fico's planned trip to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade remains uncertain but not officially canceled. Deputy Jan Richter of Fico's Smer party insisted that Fico is in good physical and psychological condition, although he acknowledged the impact of the assassination attempt on Fico's mental state. Richter stated, "It is possible that the approach of May 15 is affecting him psychologically, as he begins to realize what could have happened."
Fico's health concerns first became apparent when he canceled a press conference with the director of the Housing Agency and a last-minute lecture in the UK. His recent pattern of abrupt cancellations has led to speculation about his well-being, with some media outlets reporting that he has missed multiple official engagements without explanation.
Former President Zeman's comments highlight the growing concern over Fico's health, as he noted that Fico's condition has deteriorated since the assassination attempt. On that fateful day in May 2024, Fico was shot multiple times in what authorities described as a targeted attack. Reports indicate that he suffered two to three gunshot wounds, primarily to his chest and abdomen, leading to surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
While Fico has not officially canceled his participation in the Moscow parade, the uncertainty surrounding his health raises questions about his ability to attend. The event is expected to attract leaders from various nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, while U.S. President Donald Trump has denied rumors of his attendance.
In January 2025, Russian Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov announced that guests from 19 "friendly countries" were invited to the May 9 parade, with ten already confirming their attendance. The geopolitical significance of this event cannot be understated, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.
As Fico navigates these health challenges, his political future and ability to engage with international leaders remain in the spotlight. His supporters are hopeful that he will recover sufficiently to maintain his commitments, especially given the symbolic importance of the Victory Day celebrations.
In the meantime, the Slovak public and political analysts are closely monitoring Fico's health and its implications for his leadership. With the anniversary of the assassination attempt approaching, many are left wondering how this will affect his performance and political standing.
As the situation unfolds, Fico's health remains a critical issue not only for his political career but also for Slovakia's engagement on the international stage. The coming days will likely reveal more about his condition and whether he can fulfill his planned commitments.
