The Italian Prime Minister has sent a letter to the President of the European Commission in response to Brussels’ recommendations on the rule of law in EU countries. Meloni focuses on three critical aspects related to press freedom in her country.
During his visit to China for a meetingbilateral nion with the Government of Beijing, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melons sent a letter to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenin response to the criticism for the lack of the rule of law in Italyamong other European countries.
The recommendations from Brussels addressed to Rome came at a critical moment in the Union, whendiscusses the election of commissioners and with Meloni fighting for a position of weight.
What are Brussels’ recommendations on press freedom in Italy?
According to Brussels, In Italy, cases of intimidation of journalists by politicians are worryingthe lack of protection of professional secrecy and journalistic sources, the delay in the reform of the defamation regime, as well as the interference of politicians in the public channel RAI.
Meloni defends himself against the accusations
This Sunday, the ‘premier’ sent a letter to Von der Leyen defending the position of his government. “Dear Ursula, a few days ago, like every year since 2020, the European Comission published its annual report on the rule of law in the EU, and the final recommendations towards Italy “does not differ particularly from those of previous years”the letter begins
“However, for the first time the content of this document has been distorted for political use by some in an attempt to attack the Italian Government. “Some have even gone so far as to claim that the rule of law and freedom of information in Italy would be in danger, especially at RAI,” Meloni wrote and went on to explain the three points that he considers critical.
The three critical points for Meloni
“The criticisms that are instrumentally directed against the Government refer mainly to three issues: the fact that the RAI governance system would not guarantee the full independence of the public service; the fact that the change in the editorial line of public radio and television caused the resignation of several journalists and presenters; and the alleged non-compliance with the distribution of broadcast time between parties during the coverage of the last elections to the European Parliament” Meloni wrote.
Regarding the first point, Meloni recalls that The Rai reform was conceived and implemented in 2015 by the then relative majority party, the Partito Democratico, during the Government of Matteo Renziopposed by the Brothers of Italy party.
“If therefore there is a problem of political interference due to existing legislation, of this You can’t blame those who suffered it“Wrote Meloni, then recalling that the Government has not yet used the power to renew the Rai leadership, with the exception of the mandatory appointment of a new CEO.
“Journalists are governed by the dynamics of the market”
“It’s a shame that not even the Report of the Commission on the Rule of Law and in particular about the freedom of information in the public service of broadcasting has gotten rid of the professionals of disinformation and mystification,” criticized the ‘premier’.
He then explained why some journalists and presenters have left Rai in recent months. “It was not due to a change in editorial linebut to the normal dynamics of the market,” he says.
“Instrumental criticism, not violation of par condition.”
Responding then to the controversy over the alleged violation of the ‘par condicio’ during the European election campaignMeloni wrote that “during all the past electoral contests, all the governments in office have legitimately been able to continue reporting to citizens about their activities.
For this reason, Meloni defines as “instrumental” the criticism of the third point referring to the fact that the RAI violated the rules of time distribution in favor of the government majority during the last consultations for the election of members of the European Parliament.
Meloni went on to write that they encourage fake news to contaminate the debate in Europe. “On the part of the Italian Government, I confirm all efforts to guarantee in Italy and in Europe full respect for the founding values that underpin the European Union and the assiduous commitment to advancing Italy in the field of free information,” he said.
