“The manner in which Prime Minister Luís Montenegro addresses journalists often reveals an arrogant and disrespectful attitude, incompatible with democratic spirit and the respect due to the media,” stated the journalists’ union (SJ) in a statement released today.
The union notes that press freedom “is an essential pillar of democracy,” asserting that “it is unacceptable for those in government positions to respond with disdain, impatience, or hostility” to questions “that are legitimate and necessary to clarify the citizens.”
The union further highlights that “this disdain” is evident “in the various press conference invitations that turn out to be mere communications without the opportunity for questions.”
In the same note, the SJ urges “journalists not to accept or normalize this type of behavior,” reminding that the “role of the press is to question, scrutinize, and report without fear or complacency.”
“Whenever a political leader adopts an arrogant or disrespectful stance, it should be reported with the same seriousness as any other conduct relevant to public opinion,” it adds.
The SJ also argues that “mutual respect between leaders and journalists is a vital condition for a healthy and transparent public space” and calls for “a change in attitude from the prime minister,” as well as “greater firmness and solidarity from the journalist community.”
“The Board of the Journalists’ Union believes that it is the duty of public officials, all of them, to accept scrutiny of their proposals and to be prepared to be questioned when they invite the media to speak to the country and its citizens,” it concludes.
