Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Wednesday 14 January 2026, members of the Luxembourg press gathered at the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art (MNAHA) in Luxembourg-Ville for the traditional New Year’s reception hosted by Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Opening the event on behalf of the Luxembourg Press Council was General Secretary Roger Infalt, who spoke in place of its President, Lynn Warken, who was unable to attend. He highlighted the growing pressure faced by journalists worldwide and in Luxembourg, warning that freedom of the press has come under increasing strain in recent years. He stressed the need to safeguard journalistic quality and pluralism, improve access to information, and strengthen legal protections, while also pointing to new challenges posed by social media and artificial intelligence. Roger Infalt emphasised the important role of journalists in informing the public, underlining that a free and independent press remains essential to democracy.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden then took the stage. He underlined that a liberal democracy depends on a free, strong and independent press, which is an integral part of freedom of expression. Referring to developments abroad, he cited Iran as an example where freedom of expression is not currently tolerated, warning that such practices pose a direct threat to democratic societies.
The prime minister also addressed the challenges posed by social media, noting that it does not follow the same ethical standards as traditional media and that the role of professional journalism is to provide context, verify facts and counter disinformation. He further emphasised the importance of transparency and access to information from public authorities, also in the interest of democracy. Prime Minister Frieden reaffirmed his willingness to engage with criticism and continue cooperation with the media to strengthen democratic debate in Luxembourg.
The final speaker was Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity and Minister of Justice. She addressed growing threats to journalism, including disinformation spread via social media and artificial intelligence, and highlighted ongoing work at European level on security measures and action plans to better protect media professionals. She also referred to efforts to strengthen legal safeguards against abusive lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation - SLAPPs), improve access to information, reinforce the role of the Press Council and increase transparency and media pluralism, while underlining that freedom of the press has long been a pillar of democracy in Luxembourg.
After the speeches, the discussions continued over finger food and drinks.
