Berset wants to initiate an action plan for democracy
Published: Sunday, Dec 8th 2024, 07:10
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The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has proposed an action plan to rethink democracy. The former Federal Councillor said that a vibrant democracy needs a wide range of opinions and the exchange of dissenting views.
This has become more difficult nowadays, said Berset in an interview with the French-speaking Swiss newspaper "Le Matin Dimanche" on Sunday.
Democracy is declining to varying degrees in different countries. The launch of an action plan was not proposed by the Fribourg native to point the finger at anyone. Rather, it was about looking at different contexts with respect and strengthening the conditions that make a functioning democracy possible, said Berset.
The Council of Europe would have to think about this. During the discussion, he expressed his conviction that the Council of Europe is more indispensable today than ever before. Functioning institutions are needed in difficult times and not when everything is going well.
Privileged Swiss view
According to Berset, the fact that he presides over the Council of Europe as a Swiss citizen has advantages, but not only that. His counterparts would praise direct democracy. However, they do not believe that it can work elsewhere. He is also criticized for saying that Switzerland is privileged and does not know any real crises.
Former Federal Councillor Berset took office as Secretary General of the Council of Europe in mid-September. Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are the guiding principles of his office, he said after his election.
©Keystone/SDA
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