Democratic backsliding

Emails to US Democracy Group Raise Questions about Serbian Lobbying

Freedom House is not the only watchdog to draw attention to democratic backsliding in Serbia since the Progressive Party of President Aleksandar Vucic took power in 2012.

But the official downgrade and the accusation that the Progressives have "systematically curtailed" the ability of the opposition to play a part in the business of governing struck a nerve.

Foreign Ministry welcomes decision to suspend Mali from CoD Governing Council

Foreign Affairs Minister Bogdan Aurescu welcomes the decision to suspend the Republic of Mali from the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies (CoD) in a process initiated at the Extraordinary Meeting of the CoD Governing Council chaired by the Romanian top diplomat, in the context of Romania's holding the Presidency of the Community of Democracies.

Pandemic Boosts Support for Europe’s Autocrats

Live: Coronavirus Updates

Greek Govt Accused of Dodging Democratic Oversight

Czechs Fear Autocratic Contagion

Hungary 'No Longer a Democracy'

The reason, experts say, is that people prioritise security in times of terror — an instinct easily exploited by illiberal governments keen to tighten their grip on power.

Calling On ‘The People’ to Rekindle Democracy’s Promise

Aspiring authoritarian leaders and populist politicians are encouraged by divisive politics within mainstream political parties. They feel emboldened by blatant attacks on civil liberties by seasoned autocrats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin or Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.