The Slovenian Association of Patriotic Journalists published a communiqué criticizing the attack by Donald Tusk’s government on Polish public media, comparing it to the methods of totalitarian states.
The behavior of the new Polish government is more reminiscent of a totalitarian state than of the government of an EU Member State
– we read in the announcement.
We are following developments in Poland with concern, as the new government of Donald Tusk seeks to subdue public television with repressive and brutal methods. This is appropriate for totalitarian states, not for the government of an EU country, which should uphold the rule of law in democratic institutions
– write Slovenian journalists.
Donald Tusk’s ruling coalition is trying to take over TVP, bypassing the constitution and legislation… As we know, under the Polish legal system, only the National Media Council is responsible for managing public media, which makes it easy for Tusk’s government could circumvent with new media. legislation. We do not even know why the government has decided to bypass the procedures of parliamentary democracy and, on the basis of a “resolution”, replace the management of the public media and prevent journalists from having access to their duties. The fact is that what is happening in Poland has absolutely nothing to do with democracy, freedom and independence of the media.
The statement goes on to say that Tusk’s government, with its methods of taking over the public media, resembles dictatorial regimes whose post-coup goal is to immediately subordinate the media.
The situation is absurd, because everything is happening in the heart of the EU and with the consent of the Brussels institutions, which had so much to say about the rule of law under the previous conservative government and are now silent. This means that they secretly support the tyrannical beginnings of Donald Tusk, which means that the EU institutions, led by the European Commission, are themselves inclined towards totalitarianism. The message for autocracy-minded politicians in other countries is clear: you can start things that are illegal and unconstitutional if you are loyal to the EU’s policies and ruling ideology.
The Slovenian Association of Patriotic Journalists expressed “full support to journalists and editors of Polish public media who were attacked by undemocratic means and methods.”
We understand that the new government has every right to change the supervisory boards and management of the public media. However, circumventing legislation and violating the rule of law are contrary to the concept of democracy and civil liberties. Therefore, we call on the Tusk government to stop repression in the public media and implement changes that are in line with the democratic path and norms.
– we read in the communiqué signed by the president of the association, Jože Biščak.
Source: wPolityce