Poland’s right-wing government was criticised yesterday for bringing in legislation that detractors say would force state media to bow to the official line and glorify Polish history.

The ruling nationalist Law and Justice party has already been accused by the Journalists’ Association of the Republic of Poland of conducting a witch-hunt against independent journalists. Critics say the legislation is the latest in a series of attacks by the Polish government on the country’s democratic foundations.

The bill due to go before parliament last night would pave the way for a national media council with powers to hire and fire executives at TVP, the state television station, Polskie Radio and the Polish Press Agency.

Critics said the government would effectively be able to place its supporters