On Monday, August 25, we wrote that city hall officials are prohibited from appearing on camera for Istotne Informacje. The article inspired members of the Federation of Young Social Democrats to organize a happening at city hall. “Since officials may answer journalists’ questions only in writing, we prepared a ream of paper and pens for the mayor and officials,” says Michał Banaś, chairman of FMS in Bolesławiec County. What is more, the Young Social Democrats decided to give the mayor a map of Bolesławiec—in case the paper ran out and more had to be purchased at one of the stationery shops.
As Michał Banaś emphasized, FMS does not identify with the IstotneInformacje.pl portal. Asked whether the youth organization would intervene if another media outlet had trouble obtaining information about the activities of one of the offices, the chairman answered in the affirmative.
FMS activists did not find Piotr Roman at the office today. They handed the ream of paper, pens and map to Deputy Mayor Maciej Małkowski. “In our opinion, Mr. Mayor, this ban amounts to gagging officials, which FMS firmly opposes,” said Paweł Zieliński, the youth organization’s secretary. The deputy mayor said he knew nothing about the ban. He added: “Until now, I thought that the Istotne Informacje portal was a medium and forum of Civic Platform, which is in opposition on the City Council. I see that the coalition is doing well.”
Zieliński noted that the Federation does not act on behalf of any coalition. “But you are a patron for the Istotne Informacje portal. You represent the Young Social Democrats’ community. The coalition is working wonderfully, for which I congratulate you very much,” said the deputy mayor. He added, however, that the paper would certainly come in handy.
(ii report)