Daul attacks socialists for condoning Slovak violations of press freedom

Source: EPP-ED group press release

Date published: April 23 2008

Daul attacks socialists for condoning Slovak violations of pressfreedom

EPP-ED group chair Joseph Daul has strongly condemned what hecalls the opportunistic and irresponsible decision of the EuropeanSocialists and the comments of Hannes Swoboda MEP, following whichthe new Slovak press law was acceptable and compatible with"European conditions".

"As an EU member state, Slovakia should adhere to the principlesof rule of law and basic freedoms such as press freedom", said nDaul.

"I am astonished that the European Socialists do not want to seethe direct threat posed by this law to press freedom and freedom ofexpression. This is a bad law adopted by the populist Smer-SD partyof prime minister Robert Fico, supported by the Slovak xenophobicand nationalistic Slovak National Party."

"I am also astonished that the Smer-SD party was re-admitted tothe European Socialist Party without any change in the situation inSlovakia."

"By backing such laws, applicable in dictatorships such asBelarus, European Socialists undermine the efforts and role of theOSCE, a highly respected organisation in Europe and destroy theirown credibility. We will continue to oppose attacks on the freepress. Slovak citizens and Europe deserves a democratic Press Law.We shall not let our friends in Slovakia down."