We Participated in the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

As TÜSEV, we participated in the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, held in Bucharest from May 15-18, alongside representatives of civil society organizations, as part of the Freedom of Association Monitoring Project funded by the European Union and conducted in collaboration with the Civil Society Development Center (STGM).

At the Forum, speakers included politicians, academics, journalists, and representatives from various sectors. They discussed alternatives offered by direct and participatory democracy during a period of declining election participation and trust in democratic institutions. The strongest message from the Forum, organized ahead of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6-9, was that active citizen participation in decision-making processes must be secured to restore trust in democracy and governments.

Various themes and mechanisms were shared regarding direct and participatory democracy experiences, including the opportunities presented by new technologies, removing barriers to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, citizenship and civic participation training, and solutions aimed at increasing the political rights of youth, women, and marginalized communities, as well as local council experiences and national referendums from different countries.

Click here for more detailed information about the event program.