Slovak Public Television Suspends Host for Moderating Smer Party Event

Slovak public television STVR suspended presenter Karin Majtánová from hosting her show "Dámsky klub" (Ladies' Club) for one month after she moderated a May Day celebration organized by the ruling party Smer in Bánovce nad Bebravou. The broadcaster stated that while it respects the civic rights and professional freedom of its employees, it expects public television personalities to avoid activities that could raise questions about their impartiality. The suspension highlights ongoing tensions over journalistic independence at Slovakia's public broadcaster, which faces scrutiny over political influence since Smer returned to power following elections last year.