Transnistria is not rated by the RSF index; Freedom House classifies it as Not Free with a total score of 17/100.
2023 Press Freedom Scorecard
Overall score and global position
Transnistria is not currently scored by the RSF World Press Freedom Index or by the V-Dem Freedom of Expression project; the profile relies on Freedom House and World Bank indicators below. Of the 25 Freedom House indicators, Transnistria earns 0 at the maximum 4/4 and 10 at 0/4; its strongest category is Personal Autonomy (5/16) and its weakest is Associational Rights (1/12).
Composite index comparison
Elections, political pluralism, government functioning.
Freedom of expression, association, rule of law, personal autonomy.
Democratic Rights & Civil Liberties
Freedom status explained
Freedom House classifies Transnistria as Not Free with a 2024 aggregate score of 17/100 — basic political rights and civil liberties are widely denied.
Within Freedom House's Eurasia region (18 countries), Transnistria ranks #8 on the latest aggregate score — the 59th percentile. The region leaders are Moldova, Georgia, Armenia.
Political Rights vs Civil Liberties
Rating 7 of 7 (1 = best)
Rating 6 of 7 (1 = best)
Civil liberties are rated higher than political rights — everyday freedoms are better protected than the formal political framework (elections, pluralism, government functioning).
Twelve-year Freedom House trend
Between 2013 and 2024, Freedom House moved Transnistria from Not Free (Not Free, 25/100) to Not Free (Not Free, 17/100).
Indicator trajectory (A–G over 12 years)
Of the 25 Freedom House indicators tracked for Transnistria, 8 moved at least one point across the available Freedom House history. The eight with the largest absolute change appear below.
| Code | Indicator | Earliest | Latest | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Free and fair head-of-government elections | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| A2 | Free and fair legislative elections | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| B2 | Opposition can gain power | 2/4 (2013) | 1/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| B3 | Free political choice | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| C1 | Elected officials govern | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| D1 | Free media | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| D4 | Private discussion | 2/4 (2013) | 1/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| E1 | Freedom of assembly | 1/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
Latest A–G indicator scorecard
Electoral Process
PR
-
A1Free and fair head-of-government elections
0/4
-
A2Free and fair legislative elections
0/4
-
A3Electoral laws and framework
1/4
Political Pluralism & Participation
PR
-
B1Right to organise in political parties
1/4
-
B2Opposition can realistically gain power
1/4
-
B3Free political choice without domination
0/4
-
B4Political rights of minorities
1/4
Functioning of Government
PR
-
C1Elected officials determine government policy
0/4
-
C2Safeguards against corruption
0/4
-
C3Transparency of government
1/4
Freedom of Expression & Belief
CL
-
D1Free and independent media
0/4
-
D2Freedom of religious expression
2/4
-
D3Academic freedom
1/4
-
D4Free private discussion
1/4
Associational & Organisational Rights
CL
-
E1Freedom of assembly
0/4
-
E2Freedom for NGOs
1/4
-
E3Free trade unions
0/4
Rule of Law
CL
-
F1Independent judiciary
0/4
-
F2Due process in civil and criminal matters
0/4
-
F3Protection from illegitimate force
1/4
-
F4Equal treatment under the law
1/4
Personal Autonomy & Individual Rights
CL
-
G1Freedom of movement
2/4
-
G2Property rights
1/4
-
G3Personal social freedoms
1/4
-
G4Equality of opportunity
1/4
Each indicator is scored 0–4 by Freedom House analysts; category subtotals combine into the Political Rights (A + B + C = 0–40) and Civil Liberties (D + E + F + G = 0–60) aggregates shown above. 2024 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Freedom House indicator moved most in Transnistria?
Indicator A1 (Free and fair head-of-government elections) changed by -1 points, moving from 1/4 to 0/4 across the available history — the biggest indicator-level movement of the 25 Freedom House sub-scores for Transnistria.
How does Transnistria rank within its Freedom House region?
Transnistria holds position #8 of 18 in the Eurasia region on the latest Freedom House aggregate score. The region's top country is Moldova (61/100).