decline

In this year’s Nations in Transit by the Freedom House, Poland loses the status of a consolidated democracy. Other CEE countries also decline with their democracy score.

With the rise of nationalism and hybrid forms of authoritarianism, the rights and freedoms of citizens are under assault in many corners of the globe. Unsurprisingly, among the countries with the most substantial deterioration in freedom in the last year are Angola, Venezuela, and Tajikistan.

Using 79 distinct indicators to evaluate freedom in 159 countries, the Human Freedom Index captures the degree to which people are free to enjoy rights such as freedom of expression, religion, assembly, movement, trade, identity, relationships, as well as measures the rule of law, security and safety.