The Spanish Socialist government’s attacks on right-wing journalists entered a new phase on Tuesday, May 20th, as the lower chamber of the Spanish parliament passed a proposal that would in effect ban any member of the media not worthy of being deemed a “good journalist.”
The proposal was supported by the left-wing parties—176 votes in the parliament—but was rejected by the centre-right People’s Party (PP) and right-wing nationalist VOX—170 votes.
VOX MP Alberto Rodríguez Almeida said the measure restricts the fundamental right to convey and receive factual information, while PP politician Macarena Montesinos said the Left was setting a very dangerous precedent by making distinctions between so-called “good” and “bad” journalists.
She added that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was trying to divert attention away from the many corruption cases relating to his family, his party, and the government.
The reform would impose sanctions on those who disrespect the parliamentary process—“uttering insults, discrediting others, or violating the dignity of others.” Journalists could face a ten-day suspension of credentials for minor infractions, or the cancellation of their parliamentary pass for up to five years for more serious violations.
The idea to sanction journalists apparently stems from a case last week when Bertrand Ndongo, a political activist and online influencer, interrupted a press conference in the parliament, drowning out the voice of a reporter who was trying to ask a question.
But conservative commentators and politicians believe this is just another attempt by the left-wing government to silence its critics. Patxi López, the parliamentary group leader of the Socialist party, said the new bill is aimed at “the enemies of democracy, the apostles of hatred.”
The government has spent the past year attacking critical media, labelling them as ‘fascists,’ ‘pseudo-media,’ or distributors of fake news.
The attacks began as soon as investigations opened against the wife and inner circle of Pedro Sánchez over the alleged misuse of public funds during the COVID pandemic.
A new media law passed in February grants the state more extraordinary tools to supervise and regulate the media, opening the door to state intervention and possible restrictions on press freedom. Last year the prime minister enacted a decree that tightens his government’s control over the public broadcaster RTVE, granting him unchecked influence over public broadcasting.
Despite the obvious power grabs under the Socialists, the liberal elites in Brussels have failed to even criticise Sánchez, and yet they continue their persecution of sovereignist governments—such as in Hungary and Slovakia—that dare to challenge mainstream policies.
