Highest scores for Volt on the Political Press Freedom Meter; D66, PvdD and GroenLinks-PvdA follow closely behind
This is shown in recent research conducted by Free Press Unlimited. The analysis reveals how political parties either protect or put pressure on press freedom and scrutinizes the election promises versus what a party actually takes action on. For voters, this means they can take the protection of press freedom into account when casting their vote on October 29.
In a time when democracy worldwide is under pressure, protecting press freedom is not a luxury but a necessity. In these elections, voters can consciously choose parties that are concretely committed to a free, safe, and diverse journalism landscape.
The Political Press Freedom Meter
The Political Press Freedom Meter maps out how political parties address press freedom in their party programs. It also examines a number of motions and votes in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) to get an idea of the parties’ voting behavior. The parties included in the study were given the opportunity to respond. Where applicable, these responses were included in the analysis within the range of the meter.
Research by Free Press Unlimited showcases that Volt has highest marks in the combined analysis of programs and voting behavior, followed by D66 and PvdD. When only motions are considered, GroenLinks–PvdA ranks highest, followed by D66 and Volt. The VVD stands out: despite receiving a passing grade based on its election program, this does not fully align with its voting record. The PVV scores the lowest on press freedom, even though, according to recent polls, it is currently the largest party in the Netherlands.
The research looked at four key aspects:
- A responsible online information society and combating disinformation
Nearly all parties recognise the importance of a safe digital society and want to limit the influence of Big Tech, but when it comes to combating disinformation, the differences are significant. Parties such as DENK, JA21, and the PVV completely ignore this issue in their programs.
- Support for a pluralistic media landscape
Parties such as D66, Volt, and PvdD want to strengthen regional, local, and investigative journalism, thereby ensuring a pluralistic media landscape. In contrast, the PVV wants to completely stop funding for public broadcasting. This is problematic because such positions contradict the principle that public media serve a collective democratic function. FvD advocates for reforms and makes strong statements in its party program about the alleged “shocking one-sidedness and great lack of genuine curiosity” in the Dutch media.
- Safety and protection of journalists
In terms of journalist safety, only Volt, D66, and PvdD make concrete proposals in their election programs, such as better protection against legal intimidation and structural strengthening of PersVeilig, while other parties address the issue hardly or superficially. It is concerning that so few parties make concrete proposals to improve journalists’ safety, as this is deteriorating even in the Netherlands. The number of attacks on journalists is increasing; in 2024, 249 security incidents were reported.
- International commitment to press freedom, human rights, and civil society
There is a clear divide between parties that actively support international rule of law and press freedom, and parties that question the foundations of international human rights and treaties. Volt and D66 present concrete plans in their programmes to promote press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. On the other hand, parties such as PVV, FvD, SGP and BBB are sceptical or even completely reject international human rights treaties.
Free Press Unlimited is concerned about the results of the Political Press Freedom Meter. It is alarming that some political parties are making proposals that actively undermine press freedom, knowing that a free and safe press is the cornerstone of our democracy. When journalists are intimidated, attacked or restricted in their work, it affects not only the media itself, but society as a whole.
Curious about how political parties score on important democratic issues, including press freedom? Find out easily with the Democracy Guide, to which Free Press Unlimited has contributed.
About Free Press Unlimited
Access to reliable information is a human right. That is why we, Free Press Unlimited, protect press freedom and the safety of journalists together with over 300 in-country and regional media partners in more than 50 countries. Together with them, we work on our mission to make independent news and information available to all. Because people deserve to know.
Contact: press@freepressunlimited.org // +31 (0)682091209
