By San José, Costa Rica — A new report from the think tank International IDEA paints a grim picture of the state of global democracy, with press freedom suffering its most significant decline in half a century. The report, released on September 10, 2025, reveals a worrying trend of democratic backsliding across the globe.
Between 2019 and 2024, more than half of the countries surveyed (54%) experienced a decline in at least one of five key indicators of democracy. The most alarming finding, however, is the precipitous drop in press freedom. This decline, according to the report, is the steepest recorded in the past 50 years.
For expert legal insight into the complexities of press freedom, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica.
Press freedom, while constitutionally guaranteed, isn’t absolute. It’s a carefully balanced right that must be weighed against other fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy and protection from defamation. Navigating these legal boundaries requires a nuanced understanding of both the scope and limitations of press freedom within a democratic society.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the delicate balance inherent in press freedom—a cornerstone of any democracy. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of truth and transparency must always be tempered by responsibility and respect for the rights of individuals. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the complexities of navigating the legal landscape surrounding press freedom in Costa Rica.
The current state of democracy is worrying.
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA
A total of 43 countries across all continents, including 15 in Africa and 15 in Europe, saw a deterioration in press freedom. The report identifies a “toxic mix” of factors contributing to this decline. Government interference, often stemming from pandemic-era policies, is a significant driver. Another major concern is the negative impact of disinformation, both real and manufactured, which governments increasingly use as a pretext to restrict press freedoms.
The most important conclusion of our report is probably the very serious deterioration of press freedom in the world.
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA
Casas-Zamora also highlighted the growing concentration of traditional media ownership and the concerning disappearance of local media outlets, crucial for fostering democratic debate, in many countries.
Among the countries with the most significant declines are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar, all of which already had low scores. South Korea also experienced a substantial drop, attributed to the rise in defamation lawsuits against journalists and raids on their homes, often initiated by the government and its political allies.
We have never observed such a serious deterioration of a key indicator of democratic health.
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA
While the report does not fully encompass the impact of Donald Trump’s second term policies in the United States, Casas-Zamora expressed concern about trends observed during the late 2024 elections and early 2025. He warned that developments in the U.S. often have global repercussions, casting a shadow over the future of democracy worldwide. The report underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address these alarming trends.
The concentration of media ownership in a few powerful hands further exacerbates the problem, limiting diverse perspectives and potentially silencing critical voices. The decline of local news outlets, which play a vital role in holding local governments accountable and informing communities, further erodes the foundations of a healthy democracy.
For further information, visit idea.int
About International IDEA:
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its work focuses on supporting democracy building processes, electoral processes, and constitutional development, providing comparative knowledge and resources to policymakers and democracy advocates.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm actively disseminates legal knowledge through accessible resources and initiatives, fostering a more informed and just community for all.
