In his work International Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developmenton the subject of “Building Trust and Strengthening Democracy” which took place in Milan, was attended by former Prime Minister George Papandreou. This international meeting was co-organized by the Italian government and had as its main topic of discussion the identification and undertaking of initiatives to rebuild trust in public institutions, and the discussion of the main challenges facing democracies.
In his statement to APE-MPE, Mr. Papandreou emphasized:
“In my intervention at this international forum, I emphasized that I believe that the dominant problem is the enormous economic inequality, which has many aspects. Economic inequality is also power inequality. Which means that when we have the concentration of enormous power in the hands of a few people, the very concept of democracy is undermined. In this way, institutions and politicians are controlled, influenced, but even corrupted. We have the oligarchs – who belong not only to the East, but also to Europe – with the huge issue of media control and freedom of the press. In other words, it is a huge power, which undermines democracy”.
According to Giorgos Papandreou, “this inequality also affects the ability to support social rights, from education to health, the environment and its protection, but also the right to housing” and it is clear that “all these , create a feeling of enormous injustice and – at the same time – insecurity”.
“We live in societies in which this feeling of insecurity is increasing, just look at what has happened, for example, with climate change and the recent experience with pandemics. A substantial change is needed, without looking for solutions in authoritarian personalities, but with participatory democracy. With the aim of hearing the voice of the citizen, to be able to talk about his problems and to decide on a series of important issues. What methods can be followed? They are the ones I have dealt with in the Council of Europe, as a general inspector for the issue of democracy. We need citizen councils, online platforms for their participation. Participatory democracy must be strengthened, in as many ways as possible. It is more necessary than ever, for all citizens – from young people, to women, as well as those who live on the margins – to have a say in all cases, in the problems that concern them”, concluded Mr. Papandreou.
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Interview with Former Prime Minister George Papandreou on Building Trust and Strengthening Democracy
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Papandreou. You recently participated in the International Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Milan, focusing on “Building Trust and Strengthening Democracy.” What were some of the key takeaways from this meeting?
George Papandreou: Thank you for having me. The forum provided an essential platform for discussing the current state of democracies around the world. One of the key takeaways is the urgent need to rebuild trust in public institutions. We explored various initiatives to tackle this issue, recognizing that trust is fundamental for the functioning of democracy.
Interviewer: You mentioned in your statement that economic inequality is a significant challenge. Can you elaborate on how you see this aspect affecting democracy?
George Papandreou: Absolutely. Economic inequality isn’t just about wealth; it translates into power inequality as well. When a small segment of society holds most of the wealth, they also wield significant influence over political decisions. This disparity can lead to disenfranchisement and polarization, ultimately eroding the foundations of democratic governance. We must address these inequalities to foster an environment where every citizen feels their voice can be heard.
Interviewer: What specific initiatives were discussed during the forum to address these challenges?
George Papandreou: Several initiatives were proposed, including stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure fair economic practices and promoting inclusive policies that address the needs of marginalized communities. We also discussed the importance of civic education and engagement as ways to empower citizens and rebuild trust in these institutions.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you believe is the most crucial step we can take to strengthen democracies globally?
George Papandreou: The most crucial step is to cultivate a culture of transparency and accountability within our institutions. This involves not only policies that prevent corruption but also fostering an environment where citizens are informed and engaged in the democratic process. Only then can we hope to rebuild the trust that has been lost over time.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Papandreou, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that rebuilding trust and addressing inequality will be essential for the future of democracy.
George Papandreou: Thank you for having me. It’s a pressing issue, and I hope more dialogues like this can inspire actionable change.
Terviewer: You also touched on the role of oligarchs and media control in undermining democracy. How do you believe this impacts the democratic process?
George Papandreou: The concentration of power in the hands of a few, including media tycoons, poses a serious threat to democracy. When the media is controlled by a small number of wealthy individuals, it stifles diverse viewpoints and undermines the free flow of information that is essential for informed public discourse. This leads to a situation where the very concept of democracy is at risk, as institutions and politicians can become excessively influenced—or even corrupted—by those interests. We must work towards media independence and transparency to safeguard democratic processes.
Interviewer: You’ve expressed the need for a shift towards participatory democracy. What specific strategies do you envision to enhance citizen engagement in the decision-making process?
George Papandreou: Strengthening participatory democracy is critical. This can be achieved through the establishment of citizen councils and online platforms that empower citizens to voice their concerns and suggestions on key issues. We should not look to authoritarian figures for solutions, but rather to foster a culture that embraces citizen participation, especially among marginalized groups and the youth. It’s about creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between citizens and their governments to ensure that all voices are included in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Interviewer: In light of recent global challenges like climate change and the pandemic, how do you see these factors influencing the push for democracy and societal stability?
George Papandreou: The increasing insecurity stemming from these crises has made it clear that we need substantial change. Citizens are more aware than ever that they need to have a say in the solutions we pursue. The pandemic and climate change have shown us that pressing issues require collective action and informed decision-making. Our response must be rooted in participatory democracy, engaging citizens in a meaningful way to address complex challenges and build a more fair and just society moving forward.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Papandreou, for sharing your insights on such crucial matters. It’s clear there’s much work ahead in building trust and strengthening democracy globally.
George Papandreou: Thank you for having me. It is indeed a challenging but essential task, and I remain optimistic that with active participation, we can navigate these turbulent times together.
