Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, remained 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. “The prime minister’s condition is stable, but despite this it’s still serious,” she added. Fico, 59, was shot as he greeted supporters after a government meeting on Wednesday in the former coal mining town of Handlová. 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. Slovakia’s specialised criminal court ordered the detention of the suspect after prosecutors said they feared he could flee or carry out other crimes, a court spokesperson said. The suspect can appeal against the order to the supreme court. 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. World leaders have condemned the attack and offered support for Fico and Slovakia. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. His return to power last year on a pro-Russia, anti-American platform led to worries among fellow EU and Nato members that he would abandon his country’s pro-western course, particularly on Ukraine. At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Slovakia was one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, but Fico halted arms deliveries to Ukraine when he returned to power, his fourth time serving as prime minister. Fico’s government has also made efforts to overhaul public broadcasting – a move critics said would give the government full control of public television and radio. That, coupled with his plans to amend the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor, have led opponents to worry that Fico will lead Slovakia down a more autocratic path. Thousands of demonstrators have repeatedly rallied in the capital and around the country of 5.4 million to protest against his policies. Fico said last month on Facebook that he believed rising tensions in the country could lead to the killing of politicians, and he blamed the media for fuelling tensions. Before Fico returned to power last year, many of his political and business associates were the focus of police investigations, and dozens have been charged. His plan to overhaul the penal system would eliminate the office of the special prosecutor that deals with organised crime, corruption and extremism. Despite nobody being named as temporary leader, there was nothing imminent that needed the premier’s attention and the government was operating as planned and moving forward with Fico’s agenda, Kaliňák said. Communication with Fico was limited given his condition, Kaliňák said. The next government session is planned for Wednesday and Kaliňák would be in charge, the Slovak government office said.