Poland's New Government Announces Liquidation of State Media Amid Political Row

President Duda's veto of media budget leads to drastic action, as regional media remains under control of former ruling party ally.

Poland's new government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has announced the liquidation of state media agencies, including the state TV broadcaster, radio, and news agency, in an effort to depoliticize the media.
President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the previous right-wing government, vetoed the new government's budget for public media, leading to the decision to liquidate the media companies.
Despite the liquidation, most of the country's regional media is still owned by Polish state-owned oil company Orlen, whose chief executive remains a staunch ally of the former ruling party.
Human rights groups warn that Tusk's changes challenge democratic norms and set a dangerous precedent for how future governments could reform media for their own benefit.
The liquidation process can be revoked as needed, and is intended to protect the organizations and allow for restructuring amid the ongoing political dispute.