Democratic backsliding, media capture, shrinking media freedom and excessive governmental control are all side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Europe.
According to a panel discussion organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation and the Study of Democracy in Bulgaria, the space for free media is decreasing rapidly in the area, including Albania.
Zef Preci, Executive Director of the Albanian Center for Economic Research said that the Albania media is facing challenges because of the information monopoly surrounding the pandemic. This combined with a low level of transparency, self-censorship, and economic hardship are significantly worsening the situation.
He added: “The anti-defamation package was adopted by Parliament although all international bodies expressed concerns over it, as it gives the Government the authority to regulate online media, for example by blocking a website.”
In times of COVID-19, the media is unable to monitor or verify information given by the Government relating to the pandemic. This has resulted in a situation where the media has been reduced to clarifying information rather than providing new news, he said.
