MP Kostis Efstathiou spoke today on behalf of the Socialist Group in the Assembly, before the Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on the issue of Safeguarding and Promoting Genuine Democracy in Europe.
Efstathiou said that genuine democracy must not only be proclaimed, but also expressed in practice in a way that promotes the human rights of citizens, providing them with effective solutions to the problems and challenges they face on a daily basis. He pointed out that discrimination and lack of equal opportunities are major obstacles to the access of citizens, especially the most vulnerable groups, to justice, employment, health care, housing and education, thus undermining the progress, prosperity and credibility of democratic institutions.
Aligning public policies with the defence of human rights and combating social and economic inequalities will help to consolidate social justice and establish equal opportunities. Unfortunately, the Cypriot MEP pointed out, there is a widening gap between citizens and decision-making centres, with the result that extreme, nationalist movements are gaining ground across Europe.
Finally, Mr Efstathiou noted the importance of good governance, transparency, accountability and participation in the decision-making process. As he said, the vital role of the opposition and the independence of the judiciary and the media is also becoming equally important in defending and strengthening genuine democracy.
(NG)
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