Although it may seem at first glance that a lot has been said about this topic that has been preoccupying great thinkers and social theoreticians, as well as contemporary societies for quite some time, it still cannot be claimed that the topic has by any means lost its topicality or importance.
EUROPE OF CITIZENS – PARLIAMENTS AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION HOW DEMOCRATIC IS OUR DEMOCRACY?
Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, Council of Europe, 18 May 2004
Honourable Mr. President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Dear colleagues, speakers of parliaments, Ladies and gentlemen,
Although it may seem at first glance that a lot has been said about this topic that has been preoccupying great thinkers and social theoreticians, as well as contemporary societies for quite some time, it still cannot be claimed that the topic has by any means lost its topicality or importance.
As speakers of the supreme bodies of representative democracy who regularly adopt the legislative framework to regulate the most versatile issues that directly affect the quality of life of all our citizens, who enabled us to perform this noble duty owing to their votes, we have a special responsibility in this respect. In our activities we shape rules aimed at creating a remarkably important sense of predictability, and thus a sense of social security, for every individual.
We are witnesses to the global expansion of civic freedom that is encompassed by the common syntagm of civil society. Pluralism in the relations and needs of contemporary pluralistic society surpasses the answers that can be provided exclusively by the state. Those relations and the political decisions they require are increasingly becoming an issue of autonomy of civic associations, i.e. of an increasingly wider horizon of direct democracy.
However, when we speak about the level of democracy in society, perhaps the best indicator is the achieved level of balance among the state and civic actions as two responsible subjects that are interconnected and have mutual respect for each other in their interaction. In short, democracy lives insofar as it is accepted and recognised by all subjects of society.
Ladies and gentlemen, parliamentarian colleagues,
I believe that democracy does not come by itself; it needs to be lived and nurtured. Democracy cannot be imposed upon anyone over night; it is a process that people must learn to live. Democracy is not final; it always requires the adoption of new ways to respond to the citizens'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' needs. The creation of socially sensitive civic society in which literally every individual feels the need to care for, but also to assume part of responsibility for the benefit of others, is the main guiding principle for the democratic functioning of contemporary societies. Here I would especially like to emphasise the remarkably important element of continuous education. Each of us, who regards himself as selected to interpret the process of democracy and to play an active role in it, must at any moment be prepared to be a teacher and a pupil at the same time.
Although today voices can be heard that political indifference in some segments of our societies, especially among the younger population, has led to some kind of a «crisis of democracy», I believe that exactly the opposite is proved by the completed process of transition in the countries that are joining a wider European family this year, as well as in those where this process shall hopefully be finalised soon, as is the case with Croatia. A great commitment of those countries to raising the level of democratic standards is another confirmation in that direction. Today we are witnesses to a large European unification, but primarily in the sense of unifying the spirit and the state of consciousness - of unifying the democratic values and goals.
The Council of Europe, which celebrates its 55th anniversary these days, and the primary task of which is the expansion of the principle of the rule of law and the protection of human rights and freedoms, has undoubtedly made its invaluable contribution to this process.
The level of democracy in today´s Europe is higher than ever. It eliminates geographic boundaries, and links countries and peoples. Living in today´s Europe makes us witnesses to a historic process that has been pursued by many generations of Europeans before us, whose aspirations are now becoming a reality.
The importance of democracy, either representative or direct, is best documented by the unsustainability of ideologies and regimes where the fundamental democratic rights of individuals are in any way diminished or even jeopardized.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues,
Allow me to conclude my contribution by reminding you that a meeting of the speakers of parliaments of the member states of the Council of Europe was held in Zagreb precisely two years ago, and it dealt with “Democracies facing terrorism”. At that time no one could have imagined that one of the severest attacks on democracy on the European territory would occur only two years later. The tragic event in Madrid reminds us of the importance of joint combat against terrorism as a symbol of intolerance or, to put it shorter, a symbol of the lack of democracy. I am using this opportunity to reiterate our condolences to our Spanish colleagues, but also to convey a message that they are by no means alone in the fight against such threats: the entire democratic world is with them.
Thank you for your attention.
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