Czech President Petr Pavel has said democracy must be defended.
Speaking in his keynote address at the 27th Forum 2000 conference themed “For a Democratic World Order” in Prague, Czech Republic, on Monday, President Pavel highlighted the vulnerabilities surrounding democracy and the need to defend it.
He said disinformation, among other challenges, present serious threats to democratic societies, as they undermine debate, fact-based decision-making, and social cohesion.
President Pavel also noted the dangers of the rapid spread of misinformation, incitement to hatred, and narratives based on lies, saying such actions not only undermine the cohesion of society but also compromise long-term security and prosperity.
He said the current experience with disinformation and hybrid conflict management has shown that democracy is constantly under pressure and cannot be taken for granted.
Pavel said in recent decades, the Czech Republic has focused on development and transformation cooperation with countries that have undergone a similar process as the country did in the 1990s.
“However, there is a growing need to defend democracy within our own democratic societies,” he said.
President Pavel further said there is an ongoing fight for freedom, human rights and democracy in countries such as Ukraine, which is resisting Russian aggression.
“At the same time, the strategic rivals of democratic nations are undermining these values,” he said.
President Pavel said unity, dialogue, and cooperation are the keys to strength and resilience against any threat.
And speaking at the same conference, Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed her confidence in Moldova’s fight for democracy and gratitude towards the countries in Central and Eastern Europe for supporting Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU.
She said Central and Eastern European countries understand more than anyone else how Moldova is being held against its will.
“It is now Moldova’s turn to come out on the bright side and determine its own destiny as a democracy,” President Sandu said.