BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) 鈥 Slovakia鈥檚 government on Wednesday approved a controversial overhaul of the country's public radio and television services, a move that critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media.
to condemn the plan, which was widely criticized by local journalists, the opposition, international media organizations and the European Commission.
Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico said the changes are needed because the public broadcaster, known as RTVS, is politically biased and 鈥渋s in conflict with the Slovak government.鈥 The proposed changes would mean it is replaced by a new organisation.
The Parliament, where the Fico鈥檚 coalition government has a majority, is expected to approve the changes in June.
The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina 艩imkovi膷ov谩, who represents the Slovak 好色tv Party, an ultra-nationalist member of the coalition government. She has worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading disinformation.
艩imkovi膷ov谩 said the current broadcaster gives space only to mainstream views and censors the rest. The broadcaster has denied the claim.
Under her plan, the new broadcaster 鈥 Slovak television and radio, or STVR 鈥 will have a director selected by a council whose nine members will be nominated by the Culture Ministry and Parliament. The current director has a parliamentary mandate until 2027.
Known for his tirades against journalists, Fico recently labeled a major television network, two national newspapers and an online news website his enemies.
Fico鈥檚 leftist Smer (Direction) party won the on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform.
Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist .
The new government immediately halted any arms deliveries to Ukraine. Thousands have repeatedly across Slovakia recently to rally against Fico鈥檚 pro-Russian and other policies, including and cancel a top prosecution dealing with corruption.
