Poland getting rid of state-owned media: What it means
Photo: Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritag Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz (Getty Images)
On December 27, the Polish government decided to liquidate state-owned media, according to the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz.
It is noted that this decision affects TVP, Polskie Radio, and Polska Agencja Prasowa.
Sienkiewicz stated that he took this step following the decision of President Andrzej Duda to cease funding for public media.
"In the current situation, such action will ensure the continued operation of these companies, carry out the necessary restructuring and prevent layoffs of employees in the above-mentioned companies," he said.
As the minister mentioned, "the state of liquidation may be withdrawn at any time by the owner."
Background
Recently, the new government in Poland decided to dismiss the leadership of state-owned media. The opposition party Law and Justice started protesting.
On Wednesday, President Andrzej Duda decided to veto the draft budget for 2024, which allocated 3 billion zlotys for state media.
"I decided to veto the budget project for 2024, which provides for 3 billion zlotys for state media. I cannot agree to this due to a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the principles of a democratic legal state. State media must first be fairly and legally restored," said Duda.
