Stevanović veut faire taire les médias et les journalistes

Zoran Stevanović, the president of the National Assembly and leader of the political party Resnica, has recently come under fire for making threats against media outlets and journalists who have criticized his actions or reporting on them. These allegations have sparked significant concern within Slovenia’s journalistic community and among civil society organizations, which view such behavior as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic principles.

In recent weeks, Stevanović has reportedly issued warnings to three major media organizations—Dela, Radiotelevizija Slovenija, and POP TV—threatening to influence their financial stability due to dissatisfaction with their coverage of his activities. According to reports, he initially called on Dela's subscribers to cancel their subscriptions after being displeased with its reporting on his visit to Serbia in his capacity as President of the National Assembly. He then turned his attention to Radiotelevizija Slovenija, warning about potential legal action regarding the proposed abolition of television license fees. Finally, following a report by POP TV that was deemed in the public interest and confirmed by an information commissioner, Stevanović allegedly threatened to impact advertising opportunities available to state-owned enterprises.

These incidents were documented and submitted to a platform dedicated to reporting attacks on media and journalists. The Society of Slovenian Journalists (DNS) expressed deep concern, stating that these threats represent direct pressure on editorial decisions aimed at silencing media and journalists—an act they consider unacceptable in a democracy. They emphasized that such actions undermine the right of citizens to be informed and threaten freedom of expression.

The DNS highlighted that calling into question the financial stability of media—which are already in crisis—is irresponsible, given that financial independence and stability are prerequisites for editorial independence. They described the overall narrative promoted by Stevanović as intended to discredit journalism and erode trust in the media, thus posing a direct threat to the public's right to be informed and freedom of speech.

They also pointed out that the last incident could constitute abuse of position or unlawful conduct, since state advertising is regulated by media laws and must occur based on open, proportional, and non-discriminatory procedures aligned with transparent, objective, proportional, and non-discriminatory criteria that are publicly accessible. Any interference by political parties or officials in this process is prohibited, according to the DNS.

According to the DNS, Stevanović appears to misunderstand the role of professional journalism, encouraging citizens to follow social networks rather than traditional media. Furthermore, they believe he fails to grasp the importance of independent public media in a democratic society. Both issues are viewed as highly alarming by the organization.

The DNS reiterated that the call to destabilize the finances of media, which are already in crisis, is irresponsible because financial independence and stability are essential for editorial independence. They stated that the entire narrative led by Zoran Stevanović aims to discredit journalism and undermine confidence in the media, representing a direct threat to the public's right to be informed and freedom of expression.

Political figures have also responded to Stevanović’s statements. In a video message, Stevanović accused POP TV of being complicit in corruption and suggested links between organized crime, the deep state, the media, and the judiciary. He also hinted at "closing the taps," meaning cutting off funding sources. His remarks drew strong criticism from opposition parliamentary groups, who reaffirmed their stance that he is unfit to serve as president of the National Assembly.

Andreja Katič, a member of the Social Democrats (SD), said that the party had opposed the appointment of a Resnica representative as president of the National Assembly and still believes he is unsuitable for one of the highest positions in the country. Luka Mesec, co-coordinator of the Left, raised more severe concerns, questioning whether the values promoted by the right wing align with having someone who once threatened another person with a gun reach the top of the National Assembly. He asked whether the values promoted by the Slovenian right justify such actions.

Lenart Žavbi, a member of Freedom, added further commentary on the situation involving Resnica, though specific details of his remarks remain unclear. Overall, the controversy surrounding Stevanović's alleged threats has intensified the debate over press freedom, government accountability, and the integrity of democratic institutions in Slovenia. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect the broader political landscape and public perception of the media environment in the country.