After the end of authoritarian socialism, much hope was placed in the democratic transition to a liberal and prosperous society. Nearly three decades later, East and South-East Europe are severely disillusioned with respect to democracy: Neither has it delivered prosperity for more than a minority nor has it led to an open and participatory mode of governance: Liberal democracy is criticized openly, nationalism is exculpated, elections are manipulated and opposition rights are curtailed. Nevertheless, grassroots mobilization has time and again contested these reactionary policies. What are the lessons to be learned from the failings of the post-1989 transition? How to reinvent democracy at the local, national and European level?
Speakers:
Ivan Krastev IWM, Bulgaria / Austria
Liljana Popovska DOM, Macedonia
Merima Mujanovi? Naša Stranka, Bosnia-Herzegovina
István Ferenczi MEP, LMP, Hungary
Moderator: Monika Vana MEP, Die Grünen Austria
Opening event to the Central European Round Table
