Moldova
Moldova now ranks 40th on the RSF Press Freedom Index, up from 89th a year ago. So it seems to be improving, but there are still many things that have consequences for press freedom. In Moldova, freedom of expression and independent media are severely undermined by propaganda and false information.
In order to understand what is happening with freedom of expression and media in Moldova, you have to analyse the effects of Moldova’s chronic political instability, the excessive influence of the oligarchs and the power of Kremlin propaganda on the population. In past years, propaganda and misinformation have increased while professional and objective mass media face major constraints and are marginalised.
Restrictive media landscape
Moldova’s media outlets are somewhat diverse but extremely polarised. Ownership concentration and lack of editorial independence are major challenges. Research shows that more than 70% of media outlets are in the hands of a few political parties and businessmen with political connections. The media empire built by former billionaire and Democratic Party boss Vladimir Plahotniuc has lost its influence but has been quickly replaced by a media group affiliated to the Democratic Party’s rival, the pro-Russian Party of Socialists.
Opinion polls also show rising support for a pro-Russian orientation, while Vladimir Putin has become the most popular politician among Moldovans. As media outlets battle with each other reflecting the political struggle, the broadcasting regulatory authority’s lack of independence continues to be a source of concern.
Safety
The number of cases of assaults against journalists in the Republic of Moldova has been growing, following a troubling trend of harassment in recent years. Politicians and authorities often intimidate and harass journalists while the recurring problem of restricted access to information was exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The editorial line of the leading media outlets correlates closely with the political and business interests of their owners, a problem that is particularly striking during election campaigns. Politicians are now keen on online media, trying to exert their influence there, for both financial and political gain.
The measures taken to counteract Russian propaganda still lack a systemic approach that encompasses legislation, economic possibilities, civil society scrutiny, combined with adequate international effort. Media Freedom Coalition and the International Partnership on Information and Democracy are among the most outstanding initiatives to address these complex situations.
Free Press Unlimited’s partners
Free Press Unlimited supports independent newsrooms operating in Chișinău, the capital of the country. Ziarul de Garda (ZDG) is Moldova's first investigative newspaper covering the country's major corruption schemes. On more than one occasion the publications of ZDG, otherwise known as the ‘Moldovan Guardian’, led to resignations and arrests of officials. Equally, Chisinau-based online news outlet Newsmaker.md, covers Moldovan news with a focus on policy as well as disinformation debunking.
Photo: Wulf Willis.
