Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer). (source: TASR)
Robert Fico (Smer) refuses to communicate with media critical of him. Ever since becoming the Prime Minister again, he has given interviews to several television networks, but also to Infovojna (Infowar) before Christmas.
Infovojna is an Internet radio station with a website that spreads disinformation. On air, Fico thanked the alternative media for "correcting the distortions we have in the media market".
Later, Robert Kaliňák (Smer) also appeared on air. The very beginning of his interview shows best why Smer politicians feel so comfortable in this media environment.
"What about Globsec?" asked Infovojna founder Norbert Lichtner. He continued, "A few want to abolish it. People don't want to pay warmongers, because the money can be used for better things".
"I think this is our answer," responded Kaliňák.
For a second, Lichtner was taken aback by this answer. "I should oppose you, I could come up with some stupid thing like Mr Dírer (private news TA3 anchor - Ed. note), but I'm not willing to dump on myself in front of the nation," explained Lichtner. "I see no reason to oppose you on a matter on which I agree with you," he added.
The Infovojna website monitors the news and takes over the statements of government politicians or their social media videos. In some cases it appears to be a Smer party website.
Popularity fluctuations
Just like any other disinformation media, Infovojna has seen a sharp increase in traffic in recent months.
Since these outlets are not involved in official media monitoring (IAB Monitor), their traffic can only be estimated. Sme daily used the Semrush paid toll to do this.
