Hello everybody, I'm Martin Wassermeyer, the Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders in Austria. We got three questions to answer and the first question is, what does journalism mean to you? Reporters Without Borders in Austria is made up of people from different professional backgrounds. The diversity of viewpoints and perspectives is a particular strength of the small Austrian section. Nevertheless, there is a clear common thread. For us, journalism is much more than just conveying information. We see it as an indispensable cornerstone of democratic participation and a tool for practicing social responsibility. Journalists therefore play a central role in making complex realities visible, critically questioning power structures and giving a voice to those who would otherwise hardly be heard. But journalism also means demonstrating courage and conviction, especially in times of political polarization, war and social tension. One of the tasks of journalism is to develop narratives that reinforce people's confidence in a world of freedom, justice and peace. This is not about neutral distance in the sense of indifference, but about committed, differentiated reporting that provides orientation and promotes empathy. Journalism does not exist in isolation. Freedom of the press, independence and the protection of media professionals are fundamental conditions for a functioning democracy. Only when journalists can work freely and critically can a public sphere be created that enables political participation. In this sense we regard journalism as a socially responsible practice that contributes to strengthening cohesion, dialogue and trust in democratic processes. The second question is, what is the key foundational text for journalism in your zone? Intellectual minds in Austria have been critically reflecting on democracy, freedom of expression and human rights in Austria for quite some time. Be it Malenis Trerowicz, Robert Menasse, Elfriede Jelinek or even Thomas Bernhardt, their works constantly warn against a totalitarian development that seeks not at least to silence the free press. The Austrian section of Reporters Without Borders is itself deeply rooted in media criticism and media policy discourse and, with its numerous public appearances and publications, can therefore be considered an important reference point for reviewing the state of democracy and freedom of information. And finally, the third question is, which single word best summarizes the main challenge of journalism in your region for 2025? The answer must be People's Chancellor, Volkskanzler in German. Many critiques are already calling 2025 an annus horribilis for the Austrian media, briefly marked by the threatening scenario of a federal government led by the far-right FPÖ. Party leader Herbert Kickl has promised to be a People's Chancellor. An unprecedented provocation as Adolf Hitler also brought his National Socialist regime of terror to power as a self-proclaimed People's Chancellor. The danger was finally avoided at the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, concerns remain that the strongest political force in the country will continue to inflame public sentiment against critical journalism and independent media. At the same time, economic pressures are leading to job cuts in many newsrooms, which will weaken journalistic resilience in the long term. Reporters Without Borders therefore calls for greater vigilance and more resistance to illiberal and totalitarian tendencies in Austria.