Minister Šimkovičová could soon wield significant power over media funding, potentially redirecting state subsidies towards outlets known for spreading disinformation, warn anti-corruption advocates. Critics argue that recent legislative proposals could allow Šimkovičová, a former proponent of controversial narratives, to allocate funds without expert oversight, raising alarm about state support for biased media.
In a recent discussion, journalist and anti-corruption activist Zuzana Petková raised concerns about a proposed amendment by the Slovak National Party (SNS) that could dramatically alter Slovakia’s approach to public information access. During the conversation with Juraj Kemka, Petková addressed the SNS’s plans to amend the information law in a way that could restrict citizens’ ability to obtain data from government sources. While current legislation allows Slovak citizens to request details about government activities, the SNS proposal would introduce fees for requests deemed to involve “extraordinarily extensive searching.”
Potential Implications for Journalists, NGOs, and Active Citizens
Petková highlighted that these proposed fees would disproportionately impact journalists, NGOs, and concerned citizens, effectively stifling their efforts to hold the government accountable. “Journalists who scrutinise state spending and investigate if ministers favour relatives will feel the impact,” Petková explained. Journalists who often depend on access to public records to monitor government spending and detect nepotism could see their investigative efforts significantly hindered.
Petková also pointed out that NGOs, such as her own, which actively monitor government activities, would be affected as well. Furthermore, she noted that active citizens—those “who want to know, for example, how much their local government spent on holiday decorations or if it prioritised funding for local schools”—could also be discouraged from submitting information requests. Without affordable access to these records, fewer citizens may question local government spending, reducing overall transparency.
Additionally, she cautioned that even Slovaks who do not directly seek government information could be indirectly affected: “Citizens may no longer read about these matters in the media,” Petková noted, especially in smaller, regional news outlets that lack the financial resources to afford frequent information requests.
Restricting Public Oversight: A Broader Legislative Trend
Petková expressed concern that this move by the SNS aligns with a broader trend of restricting public oversight. “It seems they don’t want anyone watching,” she remarked, noting that this amendment follows recent changes to Slovakia’s public procurement law, which now allows the government to bypass traditional requirements for public procurement announcements. This adjustment limits the public’s insight into government contracts, leaving more transactions shielded from public scrutiny.
Expanded Ministerial Power Over Subsidies
The discussion then turned to a second proposal by the SNS that could consolidate greater control over subsidy distribution within the Ministry of Culture, currently led by Minister Martina Šimkovičová. If enacted, this proposal would grant Šimkovičová the authority to allocate subsidies in areas such as combatting disinformation and supporting local broadcasting without the need for expert committee evaluations. Kemka noted, “Šimkovičová herself has spread questionable information, yet she may now oversee subsidies aimed at fighting disinformation.”
Šimkovičová, who previously appeared on alternative media channels, including the television station Slovan, has reportedly contributed to the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19 and vaccinations. Petková voiced her concern over this potential conflict of interest: “Šimkovičová might channel funds to outlets sympathetic to her views,” she warned, adding that the government’s programme declaration already signals support for alternative media, a stance that raises questions about neutrality in public funding.
Risks of Media Bias in Public Funding
Kemka and Petková discussed the likelihood that, with these legislative changes, government subsidies could end up supporting media aligned with Šimkovičová’s positions. “The government might foster conditions that benefit these alternative outlets,” Petková said, cautioning that this could lead to public funds supporting platforms known for disseminating partial or misleading information. The potential for such biased allocation of media subsidies presents significant concerns about the objectivity of government-supported information.
The conversation concluded with a shared apprehension about the cumulative effect of these legislative changes, which could, if enacted, curtail media freedom and weaken public oversight across Slovakia.
The Slovak National Party’s legislative proposals, according to Petková, indicate a concerning shift toward reduced transparency and increased government control over information access and public funds. These proposed changes risk weakening Slovakia’s democratic processes, limiting the accountability of public officials, restricting independent journalism, and potentially favouring biased media channels.
Source: Podcast | Stop Corruption Foundation
