Slovakia – In a communiqué published by Slovak news agency TASR, on November 20, Prime Minister Robert Fico made public he was “interrupting communication with selected media until they start fulfilling their duty stemming from the law”.
The Government Office’s press department said it concerns private television channel Markiza, Dennik N and SME dailies and news website Aktuality.

PM Fico, known for his conflictual relationship with progressive and liberal media – which were very active for years in tackling Fico’s former governments –, is for the first time officially boycotting some media.
Robert Fico claims to respect the legal obligation of public authorities to provide the press with information about their activities, although he added that thepurpose of this law is to ensure the provision of truthful, comprehensive, and timely information to the population.
Whereas according to Fico, the four media he decided to boycott haven’t fulfilled their obligation to inform the public in such a way, and since the very beginning of the new government’s formation.

„This applies especially to the Slovak Government and its premier,” said Robert Fico, adding that these media show a hostile attitude and publish false, and incomplete information. Hungarian news agency MTI notes that these four media are actively promoting liberal views and all have partially foreign owners.

PM Fico has previously faced scrutiny for his approach to the media. Critics argue that he tends to exert control and influence over press outlets, raising concerns about press freedom.

His previous tenure as Prime Minister was marred by the shocking murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak in 2018. The incident intensified criticism of Fico’s administration, with accusations of leading politicians negatively impacting the democratic discourse in the country.