Matovic Proposes Changes to Political Talk Shows, Voice-SD Talks of Censorship

Bratislava, May 23 (TASR) - Finance Minister Igor Matovic (OLaNO) allegedly proposed to coalition council on Sunday (May 22) changes to political talk shows, so that the representation of political parties on them should be set according to whether they passed through parliamentary elections, TASR learnt on Monday. Non-parliamentary Voice-SD party, which tops public polls, criticises the proposal as an attempt at media censorship. Coalition partners are unlikely to support Matovic's motion, however. "In an effort to cement himself in power, Igor Matovic has decided to pull out all the stops," claimed Voice-SD leader Peter Pellegrini. He claimed that OLaNO representatives, including Matovic, regularly leave such talk shows deflated "like beaten dogs". Pellegrini called Matovic a threat to elementary rules of democracy, the rule of law, social state and citizens' constitutional rights. "As long as that person continues to sit in the Government, Slovakia stands no chance to see any improvement," he said. Coalition's SaS caucus chair Anna Zemanova refused to comment on ongoing talks. She told TASR, however, that the Finance Minister has failed to garner support for such a plan from the coalition partners and the SaS would vote against it. A similar sentiment was echoed by the 'For the People' party, whose vice-chair Juraj Seliga confirmed to TASR that the party won't extend support to it. mf