Eastern Europe Has a Press Freedom Problem, RSF Ranking Shows

The latest report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) paints a grim picture for press freedom in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, a region that continues to languish near the bottom of the global rankings. SME views this as a critical issue, particularly for Slovakia, which, despite a marginal improvement to 37th place, is experiencing a concerning long-term decline. RSF's findings highlight that since 2023, Slovakia has dropped 20 places, a trend attributed to significant political pressures on public media and regulatory bodies. The report specifically mentions the government's use of laws as a weapon against the right to information, a tactic that undermines democratic principles. We are particularly troubled by the increase in verbal attacks against journalists, especially female reporters, and the fact that Prime Minister Robert Fico has been labeled a 'press freedom predator' by RSF. While the report acknowledges some resilience in Slovakia due to favorable court decisions and the economic health of independent media, the overall trajectory is worrying. Unlike some Western media, which might focus solely on the rankings, SME emphasizes the local context: how these pressures directly impact the ability of Slovak journalists to report freely and hold power accountable. This is not just about international scores; it's about the health of our democracy and the public's right to know. The trend of powerful entities manipulating laws to restrict information is a dangerous experiment unfolding across the region, and it demands our constant vigilance.

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Od roku 2023 krajina stratila celkovo 20 miest, čo poukazuje na dlhodobejší negatívny trend od nástupu štvrtej vlády Roberta Fica