Protesters in Slovakia gathered around the country’s public television and radio building on Wednesday to show their anger about the government's plan to take it over. This plan comes from the government, whose populist, pro-Russia prime minister has recently labeled several private media outlets as his enemies.
The plan to take over the broadcaster was made by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, who is from an ultra-nationalist member party of the coalition government and has previously worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading false information.
The president, opposition parties, local journalists, international media organizations, the European Commission, and others have all condemned the plan, warning that the government would gain complete control of public broadcasting. Slovak journalists see this plan as an attack on all free media.
The protest on Wednesday was the most recent opposition to the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is known for speaking angrily about journalists. His critics are concerned that Slovakia, under his leadership, will move away from its pro-Western stance and follow the path of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Šimkovičová argues that taking over public media is necessary because she believes the current broadcaster is biased, only giving a platform to mainstream views and blocking others. However, the broadcaster denies this.
According to her plan, the current public radio and television known as RTVS would be replaced by a new organization. A new seven-member council, with members chosen by the government and parliament, would select the broadcaster’s director and have the power to dismiss the director without providing a reason.
The current broadcaster’s director was appointed by parliament, and his term in office will end in 2027.
Hundreds of protesters displayed a banner saying “HANDS OFF RTVS!” and voiced their support to local journalists by chanting “We’re by your side.” Thousands of people took part in a similar protest earlier this month.
Fico came back to power for the fourth time last year after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won the parliamentary election based on a pro-Russian, anti-American platform.
