The scene in Nice, with ERT setting up to cover the event organized by ELAS event, once again sparked intense discussions in the corridors of the Radio Building and on the political scene.
This has brought to the surface a reasonable question: on what legal basis and by what logic does public television provide technical coverage to a politician who is no longer the leader of a parliamentary party, nor even an elected member of parliament?
And the questions about ERT are mounting. Is it doing the same as all the former prime ministers and presidents of the Republic who have served in their respective institutional positions?
This move by state television to “serve” as a communications tool—beyond mere journalistic coverage—for the speech by Alexis Tsipras did not go unnoticed, and criticism is already mounting from various quarters and political parties that have in the past experienced firsthand absolute exclusion or marginalization, despite the fact that they had institutional representation.
Discontent with ERT is growing, as many perceive selective sensitivity and preferential treatment, funded by Greek taxpayers’ money.
In fact, regarding the specific issue of public television’s stance, individuals who are well-versed in the behind-the-scenes workings of the SYRIZA at the Radio Megaro did not hide their irony, pointing out, with a hint of irony, the suffocating stranglehold and absolute control that the Maximos Mansion had imposed at the time on coverage of events organized by the opposition parties.
In fact, these same individuals were heard pointing out that even regarding current events related to national tragedies such as Mati, the pressure on the then-management of ERT to… not cover such events exceeded ethical boundaries.
This broader, informal “nudge” that the former prime minister appears to be facing today regarding his policy of reinstatement is not limited solely to television broadcasts, but also extends to local government, triggering a chain reaction.
A telling example is the intervention by the leader of a municipal faction in the Municipality of Halandri and well-known actor, Haris Romas, who brought to light another aspect of the same strategy. Mr. Roma formally requested information and explanations regarding how an iconic cultural venue, such as the Euripides Theater in Rematia, Halandri, for a recent event featuring Alexis Tsipras.
The question now hanging in the air is whether ERT and other involved entities are operating in the public interest and ensuring equal coverage of political views, or whether they have becomevehicles for serving a political agenda, creating a distorted picture in the public eye and leaving out of the frame those who are constitutionally entitled to that space and airtime.
