Slovak parliament approves shutdown of public radio and television

He Parliament of Slovakia Yes This Thursday, approval was given to close the public radio and television unit RTVS and replace it with another entity. starWhich will be under government control.

The controversial law was adopted by a vote of populist and ultranationalist representatives who are part of the government coalition, while The entire opposition walked out of the plenary session In protest.

The law was approved immediately

“this is a Direct attack on democracya member of the opposition, declared before leaving the room. The law, which was approved in an emergency procedure, had the support of 78 government representatives, who are a majority in the National Council with 150 seats.

RTVS employees protested by stopping work last Thursday afternoon second heat stroke The history of the public entity stated that it continued to broadcast some programs despite this.

“This law removes one of the pillars of democracy,” said another legislator, pointing to the independence RTVS has enjoyed to date. The head of the public body was elected by the parliament,

at the head of the new corporation nominated Slovak television and radio (StAR), there shall be a Board of Directors Nine membersFour of whom will be appointed directly by the Ministry of Culture. Another opposition deputy noted the impact of the policies with which Hungary’s prime minister, the ultranationalist Viktor Orban, has limited press freedom.

This is what has been happening ever since the bill was announced Massive protests on the streets. The executive chaired by Robert Fico, a declared admirer of Orban, says that RTVS does not serve its purpose of objectivityRespecting diversity of views and promoting the national interest.

The last time he came to power, Fico announces ban on several private media (Markiza, Dennik N, SME, Actuality.sk). RTVS journalists have also been censored by members of the executive at various press conferences.