The new Government’s programme of activities, proposed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, sets out a series of priorities in the field of the media and freedom of expression. The document includes commitments to draw up a media development strategy, bring legislation into line with European standards, strengthen the independence of the Audiovisual Council and protect journalists. At the same time, the programme includes commitments to safeguard the information space, combat information manipulation and develop media literacy.
Vasile Tofan announced the new government line-up on 17 July, and three days later he published the future government’s programme of activities – ‘European Economy, Efficient State’ – structured around five priorities. The Ministry of Culture, which is also responsible for the media sector, is set to be led by Dan Suruceanu, deputy director of the ‘Arena Chișinău’ multifunctional complex.
The objectives relating to the press are included in the sub-chapter ‘Free, pluralistic and resilient media’ within the chapter dedicated to culture. According to the programme, the Government aims to ensure ‘a freer and more diverse media landscape, sustainable media organisations, and citizens who have access to credible information and can make informed decisions’.
To achieve these objectives, the document provides for the approval and implementation of a media development strategy, which will set out guidelines on pluralism, sustainability, professionalisation and the resilience of the sector.
The programme also includes the harmonisation of national legislation with the European Directive on Audiovisual Media Services and the European Regulation on Freedom of the Press, the strengthening of the regulatory authority’s independence, and the transparent and proportionate application of the relevant rules.
Furthermore, the document promises measures to protect editorial independence, increase transparency regarding the ownership and funding of media organisations, ensure fair competition in the media market, and establish effective mechanisms for the protection of journalists, including by preventing intimidation and investigating attacks and threats against them.
Furthermore, the document provides for support for media literacy and fact-checking initiatives, the development of the public’s ability to identify information manipulation and disinformation, as well as support for digital innovation and sustainable models for the production and distribution of content of public interest.
“Media policies will protect freedom of expression, editorial independence and citizens’ right to information of public interest. Economic sustainability and informational resilience will be strengthened by respecting editorial autonomy and applying transparent and non-discriminatory rules,” the document states.
VASILE TOFAN: THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT TURN REGULATION INTO A TOOL FOR POLITICAL CONTROL
The commitments included in the work programme were also reiterated by Vasile Tofan in his speech delivered on Tuesday, 21 July, in Parliament, before calling for a vote of confidence in his Cabinet.
“In a society subject to propaganda and division, culture and a free press also contribute to democratic resilience,” he said. The Prime Minister added that the Government would defend pluralism, editorial independence and the safety of journalists, “without turning regulation into a tool of political control”.
In the Munteanu Government’s work programme, the media sector was addressed through a single measure – the drafting and implementation of the Media Development Strategy.
Source: Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Screenshot, Plenary session of the Parliament (21 July 2026)