Prime Minister Babiš challenges journalists to stop manipulation and personal attacks

In early October, editors of around forty Czech media outlets issued a joint appeal titled “Basic Boundaries,” asking politicians to renounce violence, adhere to courteous communication and honor the public’s right to accurate information. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš replied, saying the text was prepared by a colleague and is aimed at chief editors irrespective of their owners, urging them to hold themselves to the same standards they expect of officials.

He stressed that while criticism of politicians is legitimate, selective quoting and public-opinion manipulation are not protected by press freedom. Opposition party ODS chairman Martin Kupka mocked Babiš’s remarks, calling them comedic and pointing to the prime minister’s pattern of attacking journalists, citing deputy prime minister Petr Macinka’s recent insult toward a Seznam Zpráv editor. Babiš declined to comment on whether other politicians share his view and reiterated that media independence does not grant immunity from criticism.