Macedonian Experience Shows that Backsliding from Democracy Begins with Decline of Freedom of Expression

The example of decline of freedom of expression in Macedonia offers a lesson on how populist forces can subvert democracy and use its mechanisms to conduct state capture. Freedom of expression is a human right which enables implementation of all other human rights: if the people are unable to express themselves, then they cannot communicate their needs in any other area. That’s why attempts to increase government control of the media sector should be viewed as warning sign of growing authoritarian tendencies within a country. During the last decade, Macedonia’s backsliding from democracy was evident in the drastic fall of its rating on various international indexes, including those compiled by Freedom House and Reporters without Borders. The period of decline is related to the increase of populism. More information is available here.

Source: Metamorphosis