BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) – Protesters in Slovakia on Wednesday stormed the country's public television and radio building, angered by a government takeover plan in which the populist, pro-Russian prime minister recently labeled several private media outlets as enemies. A human chain formed around them.
The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Simkovičová, who represented an ultranationalist member party of the coalition government and worked for an internet television station known for spreading disinformation.
The plan has been condemned by President Zuzana Čaputová, opposition parties, local journalists, international news organizations and the European Commission, who have warned it will give the government full control of public broadcasting. Slovak journalists criticized the plan as an attack on all free media.
Wednesday's protests were the latest to challenge the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is known for his abuse of journalists. His critics fear that his Slovakia will abandon its pro-Western policies and follow the lead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Hungary.
Simkovičová said a takeover of public media is needed because she believes the current broadcasters are biased, giving space only to mainstream opinions and censoring the rest. The broadcaster denied it.
According to her plan, the current public radio and television, known as RTVS, will be replaced by a new organization. A new seven-member council, made up of members nominated by the government and parliament, will select the station's directors and have the right to fire them without giving reasons.
The current director of the station is elected by parliament, and his term ends in 2027.
Hundreds of protesters held banners reading “Hands off RTVS!”. He then shouted to local journalists: “We are with you.” Thousands of people rallied in a similar protest earlier this month.
Mr. Fico returned to power for the fourth time last year after his pro-Russian, anti-American leftist party Sumer (Direction) won a parliamentary election.
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