Spanish Congress Passes Controversial Reform on Journalist Selection

Spain's Congress Passes Controversial Reform on Journalist Selection Madrid, Spain – In a move that has sparked controversy, the Spanish Congress recently passed a reform that will significantly alter the process for selecting journalists granted access to government events. The reform, which passed with 176 votes in favor and 170 against, has raised concerns among press freedom advocates. The new criteria for press accreditation will now be based on past media performance, leaving many journalists worried about potential bias and censorship. "This reform is a direct attack on press freedom," said one journalist who wished to remain anonymous. "It gives the government the power to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices." The reform has been met with strong opposition from several political parties, including the PP and Vox, who cast the opposing votes. Opponents argue that the criteria are subjective and could be used to exclude journalists who are critical of the government. The government, however, defends the reform, claiming that it is necessary to maintain order and decorum during government proceedings. They argue that the reform will help to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of the political process. The long-term effects of this reform remain to be seen, but its passage marks a significant shift in the relationship between the government and the press in Spain. The debate over press freedom and government control will likely continue in the coming weeks and months.