EU Director of Reporters Without Borders: Bulgaria is still at the Bottom - Borissov's years were Disastrous for Journalism

In recent days, many Bulgarian journalists felt very puzzled by the new ranking of the renowned world organization, which is really the only one interested in the freedom of speech and the life of journalists in highly self-censoring, repressive societies where the big media are in the hands of a circle of businessmen directly related to certain political circles. This organization is Reporters Without Borders. Given the fact that Bulgaria fell from 35th to 112th place from 2009 to 2021 on their parameters, and bearing in mind the virtually unchanged situation with the ownership and management of national and public media from 2021 to now, and especially considering the situation with the pro-Russian sentiments in some broadcasts on national air after the start of the war, it seems strange that our country is "raised" on this important indicator: Freedom of speech and press.

The reason is a change in methodology. None of the measures proposed by Reporters Without Borders to support press freedom were implemented, but there were no serious violations either.

Bulgarian media OFFNews asked the director of Reporters Without Borders for the EU and the Balkans, Pavol Szalai, what the situation actually is. And he answered:

Iskra Angelova: "Mr. Szalai, what is the result of Bulgaria in terms of freedom of speech in 2022? And why has your organization seen such great progress?"

Pavol Szalai: "Although Bulgaria has risen by 20 places, the score has improved to a much lesser extent (+3.86). It should also be taken into account that Bulgaria is in a range of results with very small differences between countries, which is therefore an area prone to fluctuations.

Bulgaria is no...