Fidesz slams 'total dictatorship' in public media leadership appointment

Hungary's Fidesz party has sharply criticized the ruling Tisza party's appointment of a new leader for public media, labeling the process "total dictatorship." Fidesz asserts that the selection was conducted without proper consultation, transparency, or adherence to political neutrality, directly contradicting Tisza's campaign promises.

“

Politically appointed leader is being talked about by Fidesz

According to Fidesz representative Alexandra Szentkirályi, the Tisza-led majority appointed the new head of public media "without consultation, opaquely, and on a party-political basis." Szentkirályi, who also chairs the cultural committee, stated that Fidesz had requested sufficient time for a public bidding process, allowing the public to become acquainted with candidates and for the committee to interview them personally. Instead, the decision was forced through based on a simple resume and cover letter.

“

Without consultation, opaquely, and on a party-political basis, the new head of public media was elected by the Tisza majority. This is precisely the opposite of what Tisza promised the Hungarian people.

"This is precisely the opposite of what Tisza promised the Hungarian people," Szentkirályi declared. She emphasized the significant implications of this rushed decision, noting that the appointed leader will wield personal authority over tens of billions of forints and the fate of thousands of employees. Fidesz views this as a politically driven move that undermines the principles of fair process and public accountability they believe should govern public service media.

“

We requested that there be enough time for the tender process and that the candidates be widely known to the public, and that the committee could hear the candidates in person. We had to decide on the Tisza candidate based on a simple CV and cover letter, with forced urgency. On a leader who will decide alone over tens of billions of forints and the fate of thousands of people.