Launch: Resisting Ill Democracies in Europe

From emerging democracies in transition, illiberal governments have rapidly transformed Hungary and Poland into ill democracies, have attempted to do so in Croatia, and are slowly and carefully entertaining an illiberal platform in Serbia, according to the new case study Resisting Ill Democracies in Europe.
The findings, published today in English, Croatian, and Polish by a group of human rights organisations, are based on their study of ill democracy in Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Serbia.

Coming at a crucial time for civil society and democracy, the authors identify the main trends within ill democracies, and offer practices and strategies for civil society to resist.

The case study finds and documents that illiberal governments threaten the very structural elements of functioning democracies, transforming what were successful democratic countries into democracies that are sick.

It draws on the first-hand information and research provided by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from the four countries, benefitting from their diverse national perspectives and different realities. It is published by the Centre for Peace Studies (Croatia), Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland), Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Yucom – Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights (Serbia), Human Rights House Zagreb, and Human Rights House Foundation.

The authors identify the “ill democracy playbook” from a human rights perspective, to give an understanding of the policies and practices that make democracies sick. Ill democracies show some or all of the following symptoms:

• Using a majority in parliament to introduce constitutional changes and legislation, and governing based on a “tyranny of the majority.”
• Targeting the independence of the judiciary and institutions of independent oversight through functional and structural changes.
• Capturing of institutions through massive dismissals and the placement of “loyals” in key strategic positions to ensure their submission to the ruling government.
• Use of financial tools against democratic institutions and independent organisations, such as through budget cuts, cutting off from financial sources, and taxation.
• Shrinking of the democratic space, in particular through laws and policies curtailing freedom of expression, association, and assembly, and aimed at quelling opportunities for dissent.
• Publicly discrediting and slandering dissenting voices and using libel laws against them.
• Appropriating and manipulating historical narratives shaping the public discourse.
• Promoting “traditional values” and “national interests” in the name of majorities, and to the detriment of women, minorities, and vulnerable groups, with a discourse that plays on fear.

A strong and independent civil society plays a crucial role in countering illiberal trends and upholding the fundamental rights that underpin democratic societies. The ability for human rights organisations to assume their watchdog functions, and the right of citizens to access information and to participate fully in public life, are cornerstones of a pluralistic, democratic society.

The case study identifies trends and warning signals to inform early action, and provides a toolbox for civil society and others to better resist ill democracies. It provides practices and strategies to inspire civil society, including 17 recommendations across four key areas: sustainability, work methods, mobilisation, and interaction with decision-makers.

Download the full case study in English, Croatian, Polish. (Hungarian, Russian, and Serbian versions will be published soon.)