Standing up for participatory democracy

Europe is caught in an election frenzy.  Whether in yesterday’s election in France, the UK’s snap election in six weeks or Germany in Autumn, politicians are out there seeking to win the hearts and minds of electorates – more often than not playing to their fears and pandering to their self-interests in an effort to secure power.

Representative democracy is by far and away the best system humans have come up with as a means of governing. And for all the cynicism about political elites, I am still full of awe for those who are genuinely motivated to make a positive contribution and who find their vocation in politics.

But preserving a healthy democracy is much more than turning out on election day.  In fact waves of leaders are using elections as a means of concentrating power, debilitating political opposition and stifling critique.  In an unprecedented move, “march for science” mobilised people across more than 600 cities this weekend in an effort to “protect and uplift the role of science in serving society” and to protest against a growing tendency to let ideology override evidence in policy-making.

In Europe (and elsewhere) the role that civil society plays in scrutinising policy and holding government to account is also coming under increasing threat.  Reforms in Poland and Hungary are dramatically limiting the possibility of citizen engagement in public affairs and restricting diverse democratic expression. Even at EU level, a draft report from the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control committee on EU financing of NGOs risks discrediting the essential contribution organised civil society makes to ensuring EU policy and legislation serve the public interest.

A strong civil society and healthy democracy goes hand-in-hand with social progress. In Social Platform, members are working with people in some of the most vulnerable situations. Whether they be children, women, migrants, LGBTIQ, people with a disability, or people experiencing poverty, a common message is “your voice matters”.  We want people to feel they are active agents in their own lives, and therefore better equipped not only to help themselves but also contribute back to society.  A vibrant civil society and active citizen engagement is the only way to build inclusive and resilient societies. Let’s hold our elected leaders accountable to strengthening, not stifling, a healthy participatory democracy.

Best wishes,

Jana Hainsworth, President

President’s note: This week the European Commission will adopt its long-awaited proposal for a “Pillar of Social Rights”, along with a reflection paper on the social dimension of Europe.  As Social Platform we’ll be reflecting on the papers from the perspective of social justice and participatory democracy in next week’s Social Compass.  I’m also delighted to welcome our new Director, Ms Kélig Puyet, who takes up position on 2 May.  Thanks to all Social Platform members who have been contributing to the editorial of Social Compass over recent weeks. There is strength in our diversity and unity in our values.