Slovakia's parliament has voted to approve a government plan to overhaul the country's public broadcasting services, a move that has sparked controversy and criticism. The coalition government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, agreed on the measure in April, citing the need to address alleged political bias and conflicts with the government within the current services.
Opposition to the plan has been vocal, with thousands rallying in protest in Bratislava. Critics, including local journalists, opposition parties, international media organizations, and the European Union, have raised concerns about the government potentially gaining full control over the media.
The approved changes will see the current public broadcaster, RTVS, replaced by a new organization called Slovak television and radio (STVR). The plan, drafted by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovicová, aims to introduce a new director selected by a council appointed by the Culture Ministry and parliament.
Employees of RTVS staged a protest in front of the parliament building following the vote. The opposition lawmakers abstained from participating in the vote, expressing their discontent with the proposed changes.
Former President Zuzana Caputová and other critics have voiced strong opposition to the overhaul. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on media freedom and the country's pro-Western stance, with fears that Slovakia may align more closely with Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Despite the controversy, the government remains firm in its decision to revamp the public broadcasting services. The changes are set to reshape the media landscape in Slovakia and have implications for press freedom and political influence over the country's media outlets.
