In response to months of political interference in both the media and the judiciary, the S&D Group has urged Slovenia to change course and “lead by example when it comes to upholding the rule of law.”
In a report on the rule of law in Slovenia, for the first time in Parliament’s history, MEPs have served severe home truths to a sitting presidency of the Council. The report follows a European Parliament delegation that faced empty chairs by the government, as well as online harassment from the Prime Minister. The delay tactics and political interference from the government in the nominations process to the European Public Prosecutors Office, outlined in the report voted on today, are also a source of serious concern for MEPs.
For the S&D Group, it is disturbing to see the EPP group once again burying its head in the sand when it comes to the rule of law and putting the interests of its political allies ahead of the interests of European citizens.
Cyrus Engerer, S&D negotiator on the report on rule of law in Slovenia, said: “We are called to lead by example and uphold the European Union’s values of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. Today, as MEPs from all across the House, we must declare our position on the current situation of the government that currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Last October, a European Parliament delegation visited Slovenia to hear first-hand about the climate of hostility and distrust that exists, both among the wider public and by public bodies. This can also be seen in the way the government dragged its feet and delayed the Slovenian nominations to the European Public Prosecutors Office, which also means interference in the judiciary is now of real concern.”
“The same interference has been extended to the media and freedom of expression, where smear campaigns, slander and funding threats risk doing irreversible damage to the independence of the press and other public bodies.”
“We must uphold and protect our values.”
Birgit Sippel, S&D spokesperson on civil liberties, justice and home affairs, said: “Slovenians do not want their country to follow in the footsteps of the governments in Hungary and Poland. With constant threats to independent media like the national press agency and the national broadcaster RTV, and worrying government interference in judicial and law enforcement authorities, Janša’s government risk making people powerless to change.”
“Meanwhile, the conservatives in the European Parliament are reverting back to bad habits. Just as was the case with Orbán’s Fidesz party, the EPP Group is unable to criticise its Slovenian delegation for backsliding on the rule of law purely because they are political bed mates. We urge the EPP to side with the people of Slovenia to stop yet another illiberal democracy in our Union doing irreparable damage.”
