A democracy must respond resiliently when its foundations are threatened by a democratically elected party. Below, I outline several steps that can be taken to prevent its erosion:
The constitution must include mechanisms to prevent a party from undermining fundamental rights and freedoms. It can include provisions to stop a government from expanding its power without parliamentary oversight. By enshrining fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, association, and press freedom, democracy remains resistant to authoritarian tendencies. Constitutional safeguards ensure the independence of the judiciary, the media, and other supervisory institutions. The constitution can also include procedures for removing leaders who undermine democracy, such as impeachment or judicial review.
Maintaining the rule of law involves several crucial aspects: Ensure that independent institutions like the judiciary, election commissions, and ombudspersons remain free from political influence. Freedom of speech and association are essential for a democratic society where citizens can debate, organize, and make their voices heard.
Corruption undermines trust in the rule of law, so anti-corruption measures must be implemented. Transparency and accountability mechanisms are therefore vital. Regular, free, and fair elections ensure that power never permanently rests with a single group. A strong parliamentary opposition, journalistic scrutiny, and watchdog organizations help prevent abuse of power. The rule of law must guarantee that minority groups enjoy the same rights and protections as the majority.
A free press plays a critical role in holding power accountable and informing citizens about potential threats to democracy. Citizens should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process, for instance, by voting, organizing in interest groups, and making their voices heard. Additionally, it's good to invite random citizens to participate in think tanks, both nationally and municipally. This fosters greater involvement in decisions shaping the future of their living environment.
Maintaining the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers ensures that too much power does not concentrate in one party's hands. Through education and awareness, democratic values can be promoted, and citizens can be better informed about their rights and responsibilities, thereby strengthening democracy.
But should democratic values be adapted if society changes significantly? While these values form the core of a free society, they can adjust to evolving circumstances. New technologies raise questions about privacy, transparency, and digital rights. Democratic processes can adapt through regulations and new forms of participation. Perspectives on equality and inclusion change over time, allowing legislation and policy to evolve. Society's understanding of equality and inclusion changes with new insights and shifting social norms. Historically, there were times when specific groups, such as women or ethnic minorities, did not enjoy the same rights as others. Through societal change and activism, laws have been adjusted to correct these inequalities. Acceptance and legal protection of LGBTQ+ individuals have significantly transformed in many countries. What was once taboo is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right.
Inclusion now means not only equal treatment but also proactive efforts to remove barriers for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible infrastructure and accessible digital technology. Globalization and migration have sparked broader discussions about how society respects and integrates diverse cultures, covering language rights to anti-discrimination legislation.
While the core principles of equality and inclusion remain the same, society applies them in new contexts. International cooperation and the influence of globalization may lead to new forms of democratic decision-making, such as supranational institutions. Environmental challenges may require democratic processes to become more flexible to achieve sustainable decisions. Yet, stringent environmental regulations must not disrupt society, for example, by making housing construction impossible. The balance between stability and adaptability is crucial.
Democracy must uphold its core values while offering space for innovation and societal change. Threats to democracy can indeed prompt the reinforcement or reformulation of its foundations. Democracies that fail to evaluate and adapt themselves regularly risk becoming inflexible and unresponsive to societal changes. Nevertheless, democratic renewal should arise from conscious, proactive discussion, rather than solely as a response to crises caused by threats from populist movements.
J.J.v.Verre.
"This commentary was published on the website under the title "De bedreigde economie" (The Threatened Democracy).
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