The Slovak section of the Association of European Journalists has voiced concern over a statement by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who lashed out at some journalists for tarnishing the image of the country's current Presidency of the EU Council. Fico was responding to media reports of alleged financial irregularities in outsourcing contracts associated with the Presidency signed by the foreign ministry. The allegations were made by former foreign ministry employees and the watchdog organisation Transparency International earlier this week. Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčak described the allegations as absurd.
'I'm going to protect the good name of the Slovak Presidency. You don't inform. You are fighting against this government. Some of you are dirty anti-Slovak prostitutes. I stand by my words,' Prime Minister Fico said.
In its statement, the journalists' association says that in his verbal attack, Prime Minister Fico 'exceeded the boundaries of decency, setting a dangerous precedent for others to publicly disparage the work of journalists, which can lead to threats to freedom of the press and expression in Slovakia.' The association called on the Prime Minister to apologize, in spite of the fact that he vilified only some journalists.
According to Beata Balogova, editor-in-chief of the independent Sme newspaper, Fico has had a troubled relationship with the media. 'The Prime Minister speaks selectively to journalists. In a completely functioning media environment, this shouldn't happen because he categorises journalists. And it sends out a negative signal,' Balogova told RSI.
But observers note that public reactions to the Prime Minister's controversial statement are today's top story on all Slovak public and private-owned media, which is a clear sign that the nation does cherish its media freedoms.
