'Slovakia' Party Criticises STVR Chief Election, Calling It Farce

Bratislava, May 12 (TASR) - The opposition 'Slovakia' party has called the election of STVR general director a farce, speaking about the kidnapping of the public-service medium, according to statements made by MPs Michal Sipos, Gabor Grendel and Rastislav Kratky (all 'Slovakia' party, For the People and the Christian Union/KU) on Monday. In addition to other things, the MPs criticised the fact that Monday's meeting of the STVR Council, which will hear the candidates for the post of STVR chief and subsequently elect him or her, cannot be attended by the public in person. "How else could candidates convince the public of their independence and level of professional preparedness, such that they would be ready and able to answer even uncomfortable questions about their professional readiness and political independence at a public hearing? The STVR Council has prevented the public from asking these questions. By doing so, it's proved that this is a mere farce, that everything was decided in advance and that STVR will turn into a partisan medium," stated Grendel. Sipos and Kratky spoke about the kidnapping of the public-service medium as well. They criticised the fact that the public hearings will be held behind closed doors. "The council is elected either by the [culture] ministry or by Parliament, so it's all actually a group of people who can be influenced or selected solely by this coalition. So, it's impossible to talk about public control here. The coalition, the government, is kidnapping the public-service medium, and the fact that it has prevented the public from attending the session and asking questions indicates that it probably has a candidate selected in advance," added Kratky. The STVR Council should decide on the new STVR chief at its session on Monday. The hearings of candidates have already started, with five candidates running for the post. The session can be watched via online streaming. ko/df