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Gov't Risks EU & Public Backlash w/State Broadcaster Overhaul

SLOVAKIA
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The Slovakian National Council passed legislation on the evening of 20 June approving plans to scrap the current state broadcaster RTVS and replace it with a new organisation, STVR. The gov't argues that the current broadcaster is politically biased and "in conflict with the Slovak government." However, critics have argued that the measures amount to the censorship of free media and an attempt by the gov't to seize control of the country's previously-independent institutions.

  • There have already been rumblings of discontent from within the EU, fearing that Slovakia under PM Robert Fico - still recovering from his attempted assassination in May - could begin to mirror Hungary in its refusal to abide by EU rule of law and media freedom standards.
  • Mass protests have taken place in Bratislava in recent months in opposition to the measures, while Euractiv reports that "The European Broadcasting Union and European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová have also voiced concern, while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said this month it allowed “for the politicisation of the public broadcaster by the government that would fatally compromise its independence.”"
  • The European Parliament elections delivered something of a rebuke to the Fico gov't. While the PM's left-wing nationalist Smer-SD gained two seats, lifting its total to five, the main opposition pro-EU liberal Progressive Slovakia came first with six seats (up four).
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The Slovakian National Council passed legislation on the evening of 20 June approving plans to scrap the current state broadcaster RTVS and replace it with a new organisation, STVR. The gov't argues that the current broadcaster is politically biased and "in conflict with the Slovak government." However, critics have argued that the measures amount to the censorship of free media and an attempt by the gov't to seize control of the country's previously-independent institutions.

  • There have already been rumblings of discontent from within the EU, fearing that Slovakia under PM Robert Fico - still recovering from his attempted assassination in May - could begin to mirror Hungary in its refusal to abide by EU rule of law and media freedom standards.
  • Mass protests have taken place in Bratislava in recent months in opposition to the measures, while Euractiv reports that "The European Broadcasting Union and European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová have also voiced concern, while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said this month it allowed “for the politicisation of the public broadcaster by the government that would fatally compromise its independence.”"
  • The European Parliament elections delivered something of a rebuke to the Fico gov't. While the PM's left-wing nationalist Smer-SD gained two seats, lifting its total to five, the main opposition pro-EU liberal Progressive Slovakia came first with six seats (up four).