The Republic of Moldova has fallen four positions – from 31st to 35th out of 180 states, in the “Press Freedom Index”, compiled by the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), TRIBUNA informs.

“The media in Moldova is polarized between pro-Russian and pro-Western camps, but the control exercised by oligarchs and political leaders over editorial positions has decreased compared to previous years,” the analysis says.

At the same time, it is mentioned that, “while some independent media dare to cover topics that embarrass the authorities, many journalists limit themselves to following the agenda of the national administration. Most media outlets owned by politicians follow the agenda of their political parties. After December 2023, when the state of emergency imposed due to Russia’s large-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine was lifted, the authorities adopted a new system that allowed the suspension of several television channels without sufficient transparency in the decision-making process. The measures taken by the Audiovisual Council have tightened control over disinformation and hate speech and weakened media outlets that broadcast propaganda content produced in Russia.”

“Press freedom and the right to information are guaranteed by law, and good practices are encouraged by a code of journalistic ethics. But access to information is sometimes undermined, and arbitrary defamation lawsuits are common. The legal framework established at the end of 2023, which aims to block channels whose licenses were suspended during the state of emergency, is a matter of concern,” the “Press Freedom Index 2025” also says.

It is also noted that “journalists can be the target of insults and intimidation from politicians.”