Swedish Ambassador to Albania Elsa Hastad has voiced her support of Albanian journalists’ request for relief measures for the media during the coronavirus crisis.
In a reply to a letter sent to Albanian institutions and several embassies in the country by the Albanian section of the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), Ambassador Hastad wrote:
“We need a qualitative and strong media in all times but perhaps even more in difficult times. We need you to provide us with accurate information, we need you to hold civil servants, like myself, institutions and politicians accountable.”
About two weeks ago, AEJ sent a letter to the Albanian authorities, the Ambassadors of the US and Sweden, Representatives of the Council of Europe and the Ambassadors of the EU and OSCE to ask for assistance.
They informed them that a number of TV and written media have started laying off their staff at a time when the majority of journalists are working harder than ever before.
“In view of this deteriorating and worsening situation, and considering the media as very important for the democracy of a country, we urge you to influence as soon as possible the creation of a very supportive package,” they wrote.
Ambassador Hastad expressed her concerns about the threats and challenges to democracy and the media in many countries during the pandemic. In this context, she offered her embassy’s strong support to the Albanian media, in line with the Swedish government’s recent foreign policy initiative “Drive for Democracy”.
The policy holds that Sweden will stand up for democratic principles in all contexts, work to help strengthen democracy, and voice criticism against democratic deficits or risks of backsliding in any country worldwide.
