Slovak Polling Agency Warns New Transparency Rules Could Stifle Media Freedom

A leading Slovak polling agency has raised concerns about proposed legislation from the ruling Slovak National Party (SNS) that would impose new transparency requirements on political polling organizations. Jakub Hankovský from Ipsos Slovakia warned the proposal emerges during a period of heightened political hostility toward polling agencies and questioned whether the true intent is transparency or creating a "whip" to control polling companies. The legislation would grant the Statistical Office, a state institution rather than an independent body, authority to conduct inspections and impose sanctions on polling agencies. Hankovský expressed concern this could lead to increased self-censorship among both media outlets and polling organizations, fearful of potential penalties or government oversight. The debate reflects broader tensions in Slovakia over media independence and the role of polling in democratic discourse, with critics viewing the measure as potentially undermining press freedom under the guise of promoting transparency.