19.02.2025 / Perspectives

lthough Italy and Romania share some issues related to freedom of expression, the roots of these challenges are substantially different, reflecting the different historical and political contexts of the two countries. […] The differences lie in the different directions of development taken by the two countries, the result of very different historical contingencies. Italy benefits from a more established democratic tradition and a relatively independent judiciary, which provides greater guarantees against abuses – a protection that dates back to the period of the country’s “defascistization”, put in place in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Romania, on the other hand, is still in the process of democratic consolidation, with institutions that sometimes struggle to ensure full protection of civil rights.

Author: Giovanni Gabriele Manca, M.A. Candidate

Introduction

Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights of modern democracies, constituting an indispensable pillar for social, political, and cultural progress. However, even in democratic countries, economic, political, and social dynamics can influence the concrete application of this right, creating vulnerable situations. In this short text, we will analyze the situation of freedom of expression in Italy and Romania, two European nations with different historical, political, and social contexts. This comparison will highlight not only the common challenges but also the peculiarities that characterize the political life of the two countries.

1.1 Freedom of Expression in Italy

Italy has a long democratic tradition and is considered a free country in the international scenario. The Italian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press, and the country has a substantially diverse media landscape, consisting of public and private broadcasters, newspapers, and digital media. However, Freedom House‘s annual reports highlight some issues that fully limit the implementation of this right.

One of the main problems concerns the concentration of media ownership. In Italy, major media outlets are controlled by a small number of individuals or groups, often with significant ties to politics. This phenomenon became particularly evident during the governments led by Silvio Berlusconi, owner of the Mediaset group, which has dominated the private television landscape for decades^[1]. The public broadcaster (RAI) is then subject to the control of the government that is in charge, which is responsible for the appointment of six of the seven executives to its board of directors, a mechanism that certainly ends up limiting in no small measure the pluralism of information sources that should characterize an accomplished democracy, as well as representing an infringement on the principles of independence of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)^[2].

Another critical factor is the intimidation and threats suffered by journalists. In Italy, journalists can become targets of organized criminal groups, such as the Mafia, or of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aiming to discourage them from covering sensitive topics. This climate has led many media professionals to resort to self-censorship, fearing personal or professional retaliation. Despite this, Italy has a dynamic civil society, with numerous nongovernmental organizations and associations working to defend press freedom and protect the rights of journalists, such as Libera^[3].

A further aspect to be considered is the role exercised by the main parties on the Italian political scene in the country’s most widely read newspapers, which are still strongly tied to a specific political direction that too often sacrifices the spirit of truth for a biased and partisan reconstruction of facts (Repubblica, La Stampa, Corriere della Sera, Il Giornale, Il Fatto Quotidiano…).

1.2 Freedom of Expression in Romania

Romania has a different history than Italy, having emerged from authoritarian rule only at the turn of the 1980s. Although the country has made significant progress toward democratization, freedom of expression remains a complex area of confrontation. The Romanian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, but political and economic dynamics often influence the full application of that right.

A particularly relevant problem in Romania is also the concentration of media ownership. A few oligarchs, with strong political connections, control a significant portion of the media, using them to promote specific agendas or influence public opinion. This limits pluralism and contributes to a perceived lack of independence in journalism^[4].

Romanian journalists frequently face threats and intimidation, in some cases coming directly from public authorities or politicians^[5]. Freedom House Romania has highlighted several incidents where media professionals have been the target of smear campaigns or legal pressure. To address these challenges, initiatives such as the “First Aid Box for Journalists” – which provides legal, psychological, and professional support to threatened journalists – have been introduced.

Misinformation is another significant challenge in Romania, often linked to the lack of widespread media literacy. Freedom House emphasizes the need to promote media education and journalistic excellence. A positive example is the “Tânărul Jurnalist al Anului” (Young Journalist of the Year) competition, which rewards emerging journalists and incentivizes quality and integrity in the field.

1.3 A comparison between Italy and Romania regarding the Freedom of Expression

Although Italy and Romania share some issues related to freedom of expression, the roots of these challenges are substantially different, reflecting the different historical and political contexts of the two countries. A common element is the concentration of media ownership which limits pluralism. In Italy, the phenomenon is mainly related to the lack of effective regulation and the influence of certain political and economic groups. In Romania, on the other hand, media control by oligarchs is closely linked to the post-communist transition, during which economic elites gained significant influence, similar to what has already happened in other former Eastern bloc countries^[6].

Intimidation of journalists is another shared challenge, although the modalities and causes differ. In Italy, these threats often come from organized criminal groups or SLAPPs instigated by influential individuals. In Romania, pressures are sometimes exerted directly by political actors, highlighting a closer correlation between press freedom and the stability of democratic institutions.

The differences lie in the different directions of development taken by the two countries, the result of very different historical contingencies. Italy benefits from a more established democratic tradition and a relatively independent judiciary, which provides greater guarantees against abuses – a protection that dates back to the period of the country’s “defascistization”, put in place in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Romania, on the other hand, is still in the process of democratic consolidation, with institutions that sometimes struggle to ensure full protection of civil rights.

Conclusion

Freedom of expression is a crucial indicator of a nation’s democratic health, and both Italy and Romania show significant progress in this area while facing persistent challenges. Concentration of media ownership, intimidation of journalists, and disinformation are common issues, although the causes and manifestations vary by historical and political context. It is essential that both countries continue to invest in structural reforms, promoting media literacy and supporting independent journalism.

In today’s globalized world, ensuring freedom of expression is not only about protecting a very important civil right, but also a necessity for building resilient and democratic societies^[7]. Italy and Romania, with their unique paths and common challenges, are examples of how this challenge is still ongoing, and how it requires constant commitment from governments, institutions, and civil society.

Departments: FRI Media Lab; Society, Crisis, and Resilience Program; Policy Analysis and Outreach Department; Research Department; Center on Global Affairs and Post Development.

Regions: Europe, Romania.

Themes:  Cities; Civic Engagement; Civil Society; Communism and Totalitarianism; Democracy and Democratization; European Union; Freedom of Expression; Human Rights; Media and Journalism; Social Inequalities.