Locals in Bratislava appeared to blame the 'polarised' state of political discourse in the country, following the shooting of PM Robert Fico on Wednesday.

One described the news as 'quite a big shock', adding that many people were worried.

"We were the first, we saw there was a message that came over the mobile phone, was actually sent to friends through WhatsApp as well, so it was them contacting me saying: 'What's going on over there?' and different things like that and yeah, it was quite a big shock," she said.

Another said she wasn't surprised by the attack, because the situation in Slovakia 'is so complicated.'

"People are becoming more aggressive towards each other and very polarised," she explained, while a third also blamed the 'culture' in politics and the worsening state of the discourse.

A fourth alleged that some within the government would seek to blame it on the 'liberal media' who frequently criticised the incumbent administration.

Fico remains in 'serious' but stable condition on Thursday in hospital in Banska Bystrica following the attack in Handlova. A 71-year-old man was detained at the scene.

On Wednesday, Slovak Minister of Interior Matej Sutaj Estok claimed the country was 'on the edge of a civil war' and called for 'hateful comments' on social media networks to stop 'immediately', adding that early reports suggested a 'clear political motivation'.

The Fico government has introduced draft laws on public broadcasting, NGOs and corruption, which have led to protests. Fico himself said that the broadcasting overhaul would protect 'the public's right to objective information'.

59-year-old Fico was elected in September 2023, marking his fourth period as PM and ran on a campaign to end military support to Ukraine, which has led to clashes with Western leaders.

He opposed EU sanctions on Russia and the sending of arms to Kiev, saying the US and others should use their influence to bring about a peace deal.