Czech frontrunner Babiš rejects proposal to unblock Russian media subjected to sanctions
Last Saturday, Radek Vondraček, deputy chairman of the ANO party, hinted at the possibility of unblocking Russian news channels during a panel discussion organized by the Organization for the Defense of Freedom of Speech. However, it's important to note that Vondraček's suggestion does not necessarily reflect the stance of the ANO party on the EU ban on Russian media.
Vondraček argued that bans on media are "plain stupid," but he did not express support for lifting the EU ban during the panel discussion. The conference took place after the EU sanctions were imposed against Russian media, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Russian news channels, including Kremlin-backed RT, Sputnik, Russia 24, RTR Planeta, and TV Centre, were banned under these sanctions. Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO party, has no plans to lift the EU-imposed ban on Russian news channels. Babiš clarified that the ANO party is not planning or supporting any attempt to lift the EU ban on Russian news channels.
Fears among liberal parties, primarily the coalition SPOLU led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, express concern about Babiš potentially leading the Czech Republic into a pro-Russia bloc aligning Prague with Budapest and Bratislava. They fear that a victory for Babiš's ANO party in the October 3-4, 2025 elections could shift Czech foreign policy towards a pro-Russia stance similar to Hungary and Slovakia.
Babiš dismissed the idea of unblocking Russian news channels as complete nonsense. He made this statement to POLITICO on Friday, following the panel discussion where Vondraček hinted at unblocking Russian news channels. It's worth noting that Vondraček backtracked on his statement after the initial suggestion.
In conclusion, while there has been a hint towards unblocking Russian news channels from a member of the ANO party, the party itself remains firm on its stance against lifting the EU ban on Russian news channels. The fears among liberal parties about a potential shift towards a pro-Russia stance in the Czech Republic remain unfounded, as Babiš has clarified the ANO party's position on the matter.
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