20.04.2020

At this point in time (2018-2019), in Romania there is a perceived deterioration of the freedom of speech for journalists and civil society organizations. The political climate is perceived extremely polarized and increasingly deteriorating. Pressures and limitations of free speech is particularly strong in media outlets owned by politicians or people close to political elites, media outlets are perceived as propaganda machines for political interests, with very few exceptions. The control over local media and limitations to journalists at a local level is perceived to be even stronger.

Author(s): Laura Ranca, Ștefan Cibian, Silvia Fierăscu, Anca Molnoș

The brief can be downloaded here.

Pressure and limitations to civil society organizations manifest themselves through public campaigns targeting uncomfortable leaders of think tanks or of organizations working with vulnerable groups, LGBTQI, migrants or minorities. In the last period the number of leaders attacked in this way has slightly increased, however, the attack on NGOs is not constant, it happens around certain political moments or politicized issues. Activation of such attacks is related to the level of notoriety of the civil society leaders and how threatened political leaders feel by their discourse.

Current changes in legislation are perceived to be aimed particularly at silencing civil society organizations who may be vocal on uncomfortable topics for politicians, political parties or public authorities.

The rise of populism in latest years has brought up more polarization within society, less tolerance towards certain actors (e.g., migrants, Soros, liberal, progressive, educated people), a rise in far-right nationalism, xenophobia and radical thinking. These have encouraged hate speech and helped proliferate fake news.

Departments: The International Center for Global Affairs and Postdevelopment (IC-GAP), Research Department, Policy Analysis and Outreach Department

Region: Romania

Themes: Democracy and Democratization, Civil Society, Human Rights, Freedom of Expression