Moldovan president attends media forum

Chisinau, Dec 2. /MOLDPRES/- Honest journalism is the shield of democracy and our common values. You have my full support in this mission. Head of State Maia Sandu made the statement at the opening of the media forum today. The event is taking place in Chisinau and is focused on the most important issues concerning the work of the Moldovan media.

The forum is attended by journalists, international experts and representatives of state institutions. Among the topics discussed are: journalists' security, subsidizing the media, levers to protect journalists from attacks and intimidation, implementation of non-prejudicious labor policies, and amendment of the code of ethics.

Maia Sandu said that the media forum is one of the most important events of the guild, where extremely important issues for the whole society are discussed. The official referred to the "phenomenon of disinformation, which marked the elections" this fall.

"In the Republic of Moldova, the elections were marked by an unprecedented wave of disinformation, aimed at weakening social unity, sowing hatred and distrust, dividing, frightening and, in the end, influencing people's choice. Disinformation and electoral corruption were two of the most damaging tools of Kremlin's hybrid war against our democracy. Pressure on the press has never been greater," Maia Sandu said.

The head of state emphasized that advertising revenues are falling and audiences are increasingly fragmented.

Maia Sandu urged journalists to inform citizens about the country's path towards the European Union - a desire now enshrined in the Moldovan Constitution.

"We understand the major role of the free press in preserving democracy and we are committed to creating an environment where the free press can fulfill this role. The Media Subsidy Fund is one example. The new law being worked on is another example of the effort we are making to create this environment. In the future, please continue our joint efforts in the fight against disinformation. Let's strive to make sure that every citizen understands what the European Union stands for - from the cities to the smallest villages, in Romanian, Russian and other national minority languages. Honest journalism is the shield of democracy and of our common values. Let us make a common front in defense of democracy, because only together can we meet the challenges of these times. You have my full support in this mission," said Maia Sandu.

Janis Mazeiks, the head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, who attended the event, said that democracy thrives only in the world of truth.

"Despite all attempts, Moldovans have stood firm and have chosen truth over lies. The fight against disinformation is far from over. We are on the front line alongside journalists. Disinformation is a crime against democracy. At the same time, real media cannot exist without accountability. Moldovan society deserves an independent press. This can also be achieved through cooperation between the government, civil society, external partners and the media", the official noted.

Fern Horine, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Chisinau, also said that credible media is the cornerstone of a state's democracy.

"Credible sources of information are essential elements in a state governed by the rule of law and acting in the interest of citizens. A real challenge is the enormous amount of information distributed online. In the Republic of Moldova the number of those who get information from social networks is constantly growing. They have become an essential part of life, so the danger has increased significantly. We will continue to support efforts to improve the information space in order to strengthen democracy," the official said.

According to the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, the Republic of Moldova ranked 31st out of 180 countries, ahead of some European Union countries. The report shows a regression in the case of countries such as Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Referring to the media in the Republic of Moldova, actors have been identified who are allegedly carrying out attacks on press freedom. These include cyber attacks, non-physical attacks on journalistic life, pressure and defamation. The actions have allegedly been gaining momentum since 2017 and 2018, and this year these attacks have become visible.