Media Freedom in France Deteriorates Ahead of 2027 Election

A new report warns that media freedom in France is at a critical point ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Political deadlock and rising far-right support are threatening press freedom and the independence of public service media.

The pressures are unfolding in a highly polarised political environment. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) said: "Although France enjoys a legal and regulatory framework which is generally supportive of media freedom, challenges are mounting ahead of the 2027 presidential election." The report follows an international press freedom mission to Paris in June led by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and joined by partner organisations.

Concentration of ownership and regulatory stall

Media ownership is increasingly concentrated in the hands of industrial billionaires. Rules regarding internal pluralism are being circumvented. This requires urgent action to implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

Implementation of the EMFA into national law has stalled. This leaves the regulatory mandate of the media authority Arcom over print and online press unresolved. There is no clear timeline for these key reforms. Key recommendations include giving full effect to the EMFA, with a focus on source protection, public service media independence, and media concentration criteria. Adopting strong anti-monopoly and editorial independence laws is also urged.

Safety of journalists and law enforcement

Journalists covering demonstrations face significant risks. Those at protests and politically sensitive events are at risk of violence from law enforcement officers, even when clearly identified as press.

The report highlights a systemic failure to protect them. It addresses the ongoing failure to implement the National Law Enforcement Scheme (SNMO). There are delays in imposing administrative sanctions for police misconduct. Also, the National Plan on Urban Violence has been downgraded to an operational guide that does not recognise the special status of the press. The mission recommends thoroughly investigating attacks on journalists and enforcing accountability for law enforcement officers.

Legal tools to suppress the press

Vexatious litigation remains a common tool to suppress free speech. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are frequently used to silence critical reporting.

An Anti-SLAPP law was passed in 2026 and covers domestic cases. It is widely considered to be lacking. The mission recommends amending this legislation to align with Council of Europe standards. Separately, the 2010 law governing source protection contains vague wording. It lacks meaningful standards. This has enabled repeated breaches of press freedom over fifteen years, affecting investigative journalists. Amending this law with stricter, clearly defined limitations is a key recommendation.

Transnational repression and exiled journalists

The mission also met with journalists in exile now residing in France. They came from Tunisia, Afghanistan, Benin, Algeria, Guinea, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, and Haiti. Their needs ranged from safety to the ability to continue working after arrival.

Key recommendations include strengthening support for these exiled journalists. This involves network building, funding, and language training. The report also calls for measures to address transnational repression against journalists living in France.

Public service broadcasters face continued political pressure over their funding, governance, and perceived impartiality. This erodes public trust at a key time. Growing electoral support for far-right parties, some openly hostile to journalists, raises questions about the future direction of media policy. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) said: "Political deadlock in the parliament and the approaching electoral cycle have stalled key media freedom reforms or fast-tracked them without due democratic consultation." The report concludes with an urgent call for France to align its media laws with the European Media Freedom Act.