The Council of State will decide on Monday whether it will accept the government decision to shut down ERT, after the nationwide federation of television and radio personnel (POSPERT) made the relevant application.
POSPERT stresses that the decision was illegal since it has not been signed by the relevant Minister of Administrative Reform Antonis Manitakis, as explicitly stated in the relevant legislation. The justification for ERT’s closure that it ‘burdened the budget’ was also vague, since it does not further elaborate or provide any evidence to support the claim.
POSPERT maintains that the government’s decision conflicts with the European Charter of Social Rights, which protects the freedom of expression and information that includes radio and television. It is also alleged that the government decision conflicts with the European Convention of Human Rights on similar grounds. Furthermore, Article 15 of the Greek Constitution details the operation of public radio and television.
Due to the POSPERT’s argument, there is a good chance that the courts will decide that until the legality of the government’s decision is determined, that ERT will carry on operating as normal. This development could have a dramatic effect, allowing the government extra time to consider its options.
