By: Domen Mezeg (Nova24TV.si)
“Today, we sent an appeal to the government and the Prime Minister to stop the theft of our money that flows into this public house, into the public institution RTV, from which Slovenians practically get nothing!” said the leader of the pensioners’ protests, Pavel Rupar, at a press conference in front of the RTV building.
On behalf of the people’s initiative “Voice of Pensioners”, a brief press conference took place today, June 26th, 2024, at 5 PM, in front of the RTV Slovenia building at Tavčarjeva 1, where they read the APPEAL to Dr GOLOB AND THE GOVERNMENT TO ABOLISH THE RTV SLO CONTRIBUTION (theft of net pensions and salaries).
“RTV Mafia”
At the protest, individuals initially shouted, “Mafia, mafia, mafia!” The attendees of the press conference threw flyers and whistled in protest in front of the public service entrance. Then, the leader of the pensioners’ protests, Pavel Rupar, spoke.
“Today, we sent an appeal to the government and the Prime Minister to stop the theft of our money that flows into this public house, into the public institution RTV, from which Slovenians practically get nothing!” All those affected, both pensioners and employees, have been fighting for years to abolish the mandatory RTV contribution.
500,000 Slovenians cannot afford basic living expenses!
He reminded that the Constitutional Court persistently rejects every initiative to review the legislation related to this area. Nevertheless, they will persist with their demands. Rupar stated, “We have the right to manage our money for purposes we determine ourselves”. The RTV contribution is paid by almost 900,000 households, including those with low pensions and incomes.
There are half a million such households in the country, for whom the forced payment of the RTV contribution is a tremendous burden, as their incomes do not even cover basic living expenses. Rupar also recalled the harmful decision of the Constitutional Court regarding the RTV law, the abolition of certain programmes, and the dismissal of some journalists. He also pointed out the strict control over news programmes.
RTVS is the face of fake and false democracy
He also reminded that tey only broadcast press conferences of groups favourable to RTV, not to pensioners. This is a case of fake and false democracy! Before the elections, the government promised a pluralistic information system and critical reporting and programmes watchable by all groups of people. However, the extreme leadership installed led to historically low viewership.
RTVS employs 2,263 people!
At the same time, the leadership led to an absurd financial state, and nothing was done about the promises made. Rupar stated, “Therefore, we not only oppose the increase in RTV theft, but we also firmly demand the immediate abolition of the RTV subscription!” He also reminded that there are currently 2,263 employees at RTV Slovenia. The attendees then started shouting: “Shame, shame, shame! Gang!” Rupar pointed out that there are so many employees that they do not even know each other, and at most 600 come to work daily.
Many are just on the payroll, bullying is happening!
Many just clock in in the morning but do not work. There is inadequate oversight of their work and products. RTV is an institution that lives off theft, looting, and laziness. He also mentioned bullying, contempt, and repression by the leadership against some employees.
52,000 people have already resisted the forced RTV contribution!
Rupar stated, “No one writes reports; they gorge themselves, eat, and drink at our expense!” He also asked why the government allows this. He reminded that more than 52,000 people have already resisted the forced payment of “this nonsense”, and he calls on others to do the same.
The government should expedite the bankruptcy process!
Rupar called on Golob to abolish the payment of the RTV contribution, expedite the bankruptcy process of the public institution, and build a new form of public institution with hardworking employees led by a competent leadership that offers quality programming and a sustainable financial survival plan. They also demand a programme watchable by the majority. Until then, the theft of public money should be stopped. Rupar called on the RTV leadership to resign immediately.
“Thieves, Thieves, Thieves!”
At the same time, he called on RTV collaborators to resist “parasite” colleagues who only drain the public institution. He reminded that RTVS does not even broadcast all matches, while privileged politicians attend matches live (in the USA and Germany). Rupar emphasised that if their appeal does not bring results, they will take even more drastic measures. The gathered concluded the press conference with chants of “Thieves, thieves, thieves!”