Democracy: A Hard-Fought Legacy!

Democracy has become a matter of course for many of us. We vote, express our opinions freely, and enjoy protection from arbitrary decisions. But it was not always like this. Democracy is not a gift that fell from the sky, but the result of hard struggles and courageous decisions over centuries. It was never easy and it is not easy today either.

History shows us that democracy has always had to be fought for. People have risked their lives to stand up for freedom and equality. Revolutions, civil protests, reform movements - all of this has led to us living in societies today in which the dignity of the individual is recognized. But how quickly can we forget that?

The Long Journey to Democracy

The roots of democracy reach back to ancient times. But the democracy of the Greek city-states was anything but inclusive. Women, slaves and foreigners had no political rights whatsoever. The idea of a democracy in which all people have equal rights did not emerge until much later.

It was the Enlightenment that laid the foundation for modern democracies. The French Revolution brought the demand for liberty, equality and fraternity to the world. The American Declaration of Independence made it clear that all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But even these ideals were not granted to everyone at first. It took the civil rights movements of the 19th and 20th centuries to achieve universal suffrage, women's rights and social justice.

All these struggles show that democracy does not arise by itself. It is the product of resistance, of people who took to the streets for their rights, risked prison sentences and, not infrequently, lost their lives.

Democracy is never complete

A misconception shared by many is the assumption that democracy is a fixed state. But democracy is not a goal that is achieved and then remains. It is a process that requires constant work.

New challenges such as climate change, digital disinformation or growing social inequalities are constantly putting democracy to the test. Institutions must be adapted and new solutions found. Democracy means embracing change, resolving conflicts and continually seeking fair compromises.

Democracy depends on people getting involved. It needs not only voters, but also critical voices, committed citizens and a civil society that exposes grievances. If this willingness dwindles, democracy becomes weak.

The Danger of Taking Democracy for Granted

The greatest threat to a democracy is indifference. When people feel that their voice doesn't count, they turn away. This is exactly what authoritarian movements exploit. They stoke distrust, offer easy answers to complex problems and undermine trust in institutions.

It is easy to lose democracy if it is not actively defended. History shows us how fragile it is. It can be threatened from outside, for example by wars or economic crises. But the greater danger often comes from within. When citizens no longer vote, when institutions are not questioned, when injustices are accepted, then democracy loses its power.

What we can do

Democracy is work, but it's worth it. Every generation has a responsibility to strengthen it. It starts with education. People need to understand why democratic values are important and how they affect our daily lives. They need to know how to influence and learn to think critically.

But it is not enough to impart knowledge. Democracy needs commitment. It is the small steps that count. Going to the ballot box. Participating in a citizens' council. Getting involved in the community. Democracy is only as strong as the people who support it.

An Invitation to Responsibility

Democracy is not a gift. It is the legacy of generations who fought for freedom and justice. It is our responsibility to preserve and develop this legacy.

It may be difficult, but democracy is the best way to create a society based on respect, equality and compassion. And it will only last if we are prepared to work for it - for ourselves, but also for all those who come after us.

-Brussels 17.01.2025