Slovak PM Fico Downplays Hospital Crisis, Defends Health Minister Against Opposition Criticism

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico dismissed criticism over problems at a hospital in Prešov, defending Health Minister Kamil Saško against opposition attacks. Fico accused the opposition of overreacting to the hospital issues, sarcastically remarking that there were so many critics present "as if the government was about to fall." The prime minister's comments came as opposition parties intensified their criticism of the government's handling of healthcare problems in the eastern Slovak city. Fico leads a coalition government that has faced mounting pressure over various policy issues since taking office, with healthcare being a recurring source of political controversy in Slovakia.