Press freedom in France under growing pressure ahead of 2027 elections
Free Press Unlimited is warning that press freedom in France is coming under increasing pressure ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. As part of a joint mission by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a coalition of European press freedom organisations, we identified growing media concentration, the mainstreaming of far-right narratives, deficient anti-SLAPP legislation, and the need for stronger support for journalists in exile as some of the most pressing concerns.
Media ownership threatens pluralism
One of the mission's main findings is concerning media concentration. Today, around 90% of France's national media is controlled by just a handful of industrial groups. This threatens media pluralism and increases the risk of political and commercial influence over editorial decisions, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 elections. The MFRR calls on France to modernise its media ownership laws and fully implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
Growing concerns ahead of the 2027 elections
We also warn that political interference in newsrooms and the growing influence of media owners have contributed to the mainstreaming of far-right narratives in parts of the French media landscape, including hostile rhetoric towards journalists and public services media. With political polarisation on the rise, safeguarding independent journalism is more important than ever to protect democratic debate.
Inadequate anti-SLAPP protections
We also found that lawsuits that aim to silence journalists under the pretext of ‘fake news’ have increased significantly, particularly initiated by local far-right politicians. Despite this concerning development, France’s implementation of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive falls short of protecting journalists and other public watchdogs from abusive lawsuits. New legislation offer some protection, but it applies only to civil proceedings. Criminal defamation cases – one of the most common legal tools used to intimidate journalists in France – remain out of scope.
France must do more to protect exiled journalists
It is positive that France hosts one of the largest communities of journalists in exile in Europe. During the mission, the MFRR delegation met with journalists from Tunisia, Afghanistan, Benin, Algeria, Guinea, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan and Haiti to hear about their experiences. Many described how transnational repression continues to affect them even after fleeing their home countries. They also spoke about the difficulties of continuing their journalist profession after arriving in France.
We call for stronger support for journalists in exile. This includes better protection against transnational repression, language and professional training, stronger links with French newsrooms, psycho-social support, and closer cooperation between organisations and public authorities.
Other concerns
We also raised concerns about the safety of journalists reporting from protests, insufficient protection of journalists' sources, and the delayed implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Together, these challenges paint a worrying picture of the state of press freedom in France.
