The work of the 2nd Part of the Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) continues in Strasbourg. The Parliamentary Representative of the Democratic Rally, Mr. Nikos Tornaritis, head of the Cypriot delegation to the Assembly, participated today in a debate in the plenary session of the Assembly, on the subject of ensuring and promoting genuine democracy in Europe. Tornaritis referred to the undermining of democracy and the rule of law in Europe, as a consequence of various conflicts, the ongoing migratory flows, the democratic deficit, climate change and the penetration of populism and extreme and fascist movements.
Stressing the importance of the common commitment of Member States to the common principles and values of the Council of Europe, Mr. Tornaritis pointed out, however, that democracy remains a fragile asset and its protection a difficult task, as it must be constantly fortified in order to be resistant to crises and offer a way out of the complex challenges of our times. It is also fragile in the face of authoritarian regimes that imprison dissent for life. A striking example is the case of Osman Kavala in Turkey who should be released immediately and unconditionally, he added.
The answer to these challenges is always more democracy, not less democracy, he stressed. The Cypriot MP stressed that the basic components of democracy, which are political pluralism, the holding of fair and free elections, freedom of expression, the preservation of the role of the opposition as a counterweight to power, the independence of the judiciary, multiculturalism and the participation of all in the democratic process, must be further consolidated and expanded, thus ensuring the credibility and proper functioning of democratic institutions.
Council of Europe member states can draw knowledge and good practices from the considerable expertise available in the various Council of Europe institutions and monitoring mechanisms to remedy existing weaknesses and institutional distortions that may harm the functioning of democratic institutions at the national level. This support is valuable and multi-level, Mr. Tornaritis concluded.
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