The European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Janis Mažeiks, stated that he will always insist on institutions respecting press freedom. He emphasized that he had done so in the past, attaching journalistic materials from 2023 in which he expressed his position on the suspension of multiple TV stations’ licenses in Moldova. His reaction follows criticism from the opposition regarding his statements on independent media and activists.
Mažeiks stressed that in a democracy, the media must remain independent and responsible, and journalists should not feel threatened simply for doing their jobs. He recalled his 2023 stance when he warned that suspending TV licenses could impact press freedom and public trust, insisting that any restrictions must comply with the rule of law.
On March 5, the ambassador condemned “an online smear campaign against independent media and civil society organizations.” He highlighted a “worrying trend” of using foreign funding issues to undermine the credibility of journalists and activists. Mažeiks emphasized that authorities must sanction those who intimidate and spread false information against them, as these are punishable offenses.
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His statements sparked dissatisfaction among opposition politicians. Socialist MP Adela Raileanu accused him of applying “double standards,” claiming he did not criticize the suspension of opposition-affiliated TV stations. Alexei Lungu, leader of the “Sansa” party linked to fugitive Ilan Shor, accused EU representatives of failing to protest when authorities shut down opposition channels.
The suspension of TV licenses began in late 2022 when the Commission for Exceptional Situations (CSE) banned six TV stations. In 2023, six more television channels faced similar measures, and by the end of the year, authorities decided to revoke the permits of the companies owning them. The government justified the decision by citing the need to verify the stations’ beneficiaries. At the time, eight NGOs criticized the process as lacking transparency.