Slovak Public TV Presenter Faces Sanctions After Moderating Ruling Party Celebration with Prime Minister

Karin Majtánová, a longtime presenter for Slovakia's public television STVR, appeared on stage alongside Prime Minister Robert Fico at a celebration for the ruling Smer party, where she moderated the event and was photographed kissing the premier. The public broadcaster said it was unaware of her private activity in advance and considers it incompatible with working for a media outlet that must maintain impartiality. STVR has indicated that Majtánová violated the broadcaster's editorial standards by participating in partisan political activities while employed as a journalist for the state-funded television network, which is required to maintain political neutrality in its coverage.