Former Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, took a firm stand during a protest outside TVP headquarters, denouncing what he sees as attempts to transform the public broadcaster into a mirror of commercial network TVN. In an exclusive conversation with Niezalezna.pl, he highlighted the significance of the demonstration, associating it with patriotism and the ongoing struggle for Poland’s freedom and independence.
“Our presence here reflects our patriotism and our efforts to ensure that Poland remains free and independent,” Błaszczak stated passionately. He expressed gratitude to independent media outlets such as Telewizja Republika and “Gazeta Polska,” acknowledging their role in preserving a diverse media landscape.
Błaszczak Condemns Threats to Free Speech and Information Access
The protest, echoing sentiments from December 13, 1981, was portrayed as an assault on public television, characterized as an attempt to restrict access to alternative information sources apart from the TVN narrative. Błaszczak vehemently opposed this move, advocating for informational pluralism as a cornerstone of democracy. He emphasized the importance of people having access to varied opinions and information sources, and resisting any encroachment on the freedom of speech.
“There’s an attempt to strip us of our freedom of speech, turning TVP into another TVN. We oppose this, and it’s only through societal support that we can achieve our goal,” he asserted.
When questioned about the potential targeting of other media by the new authorities, including Telewizja Republika, Błaszczak highlighted a growing concern about what he termed a scattered form of dictatorship. He underscored the need for collective opposition to halt actions that deviate from legal norms and violate rights, stressing that consequences must follow any evident breaches.
Defending Truth and Media Freedom: Błaszczak’s Call Amidst Unfolding Challenges
Addressing Telewizja Republika directly, Błaszczak thanked the Free Speech Zone for their involvement in the cause, reiterating the conviction that truth will eventually prevail despite the challenges faced.
“As events unfold, it becomes evident that there are blatant violations of the law. There must be consequences for this,” he emphasized.
The statement from Mariusz Błaszczak signifies a deep-seated apprehension regarding the evolving media landscape in Poland, indicating a growing rift between the government’s actions and the principles of a free press. As protests persist, the battle for media independence and the right to diverse information sources remains a pivotal concern for many advocating for democratic values in the country.