PM Bettel Acknowledges Need for Improved Press Transparency

On Thursday 19 January 2023, members of the Luxembourg press gathered at the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA) in Luxembourg-Ville for the traditional New Year press reception, held by Luxembourg's Prime Minister and Minister for Communications and Media, Xavier Bettel.

Roger Infalt, President of Luxembourg's Press Council, began his speech by emphasising the importance of a free press. He regretted the fact that 86 journalists were killed around the world in 2022 (according to UNESCO) and more than 600 others are currently imprisoned, simply for doing their job.

In Luxembourg, 72 new journalists took part in the Press Council's training classes to obtain a press card in 2022, according to Mr Infalt.

The Press Council President reiterated demands for improved access to information for members of the press in the Grand Duchy. He noted that media representatives felt that the ministry circulars issued on this subject in the past did not go far enough. For several years, the Press Council has been pushing for this freedom of information to be included in national legislation.

For his part, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel began by reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of journalists. "It was not always easy for you to do your job," he said, acknowledging the fact that cases of harassment against members of the press rose during the pandemic. He stressed the importance of having a free press, "also in crisis times," even if "objective and independent press coverage can be uncomfortable" for certain members of society, and stressed that such attacks were unacceptable. He recognised that it was part of the job of politicians to create "a foundation on which the press can work as independently and effectively as possible."

Prime Minister Bettel also emphasised the important role played by state aid (which underwent reform in 2021) in promoting and preserving media pluralism in Luxembourg. In 2020, the government had provided more than €6.5 million to the written press; in 2022, this amount rose to more than €10 million. In total, eighteen publications (including Chronicle.lu) are currently benefiting from this press aid. He also noted that the 2023 state budget foresaw an increased allowance for the Press Council.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister recognised that improvements could still be made in areas such as press transparency, and assured that the media circulars were under review. He acknowledged that the state should be more "proactive" when it comes to press transparency and freedom of information.

Both Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Roger Infalt wished those present a happy, healthy and successful new year, despite the uncertain context.