democracy international: DI-Newsletter 9-2011: The voice of the Citizens

NEWSLETTER

9 September 2011

www.democracy-international.org

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The voice of the citizens

We are closely observing the protest movements, which are currently unfolding in many countries. What are the concerns of the young people taking part in the demonstrations?

There are similarities: In all cases, we experience a great deal of frustration. Yet, the protesters have different reasons why to be frustrated. In Chile, students demand social equity and a fair education system. Same holds true for the Spanish protests, where citizens demand equal opportunities and a greater say in politics. In Egypt, citizens are striving for basic human and democratic rights in order to escape a dictatorship.

Although their initial reasons are different, the protesters are united by a common belief: citizens possess the power to influence politics.

Regards

Ronald Pabst/Vanessa Eggert

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Contents

1. Chile: Protests for a Better Education

2. Hungary: Stepping away from democracy

3. Interview: Egypt Revolution

4. Protests in Spain: „One of the best experience!“

5. ENA 2011: Democracy on the upswing

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1. Chile: Protests for a Better Education

Political protests are not confined to the Arab region and southern Europe. Demonstrations are now taking place in Latin America as well. In Chile, tens of thousands of students are on the street demanding improved education. Yet, protests are not limited to students as citizens start to join the demonstrations.

www.democracy-international.org/student-protests-chile.html

Interview: “Revolution of increasing expectations”

In addition, we have talked to David Altman, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

www.democracy-international.org/interview-chile-protest.html

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2. Hungary: Stepping away from democracy

A EU member state is rigorously undermining basic democratic virtues and its constitutional status: Hungary. Prime minister Victor Orban and his party holds a two-third majority, which they taken advantage of to regress the democratic system.

Democratic core principles such as the media, the constitution, the constitutional court, and the electoral law are under attack.

www.democracy-international.org/hungary-away-from-democracy.html

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3. Interview: Egypt Revolution

Images of the Tahrir-Square are seen around the world. In only 18 days, mass protests opened the road for democracy in Egypt. We have talked to M. Boktor, who lives in Cairo and has experienced the revolution. M. Boktor shares his personal impressions and his concerns for the future.

www.democracy-international.org/interview-egypt-revolution.html

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4. Protests in Spain: „One of the best experience!“

The Spanish movement M15 is not slowing down. Ever since May, 15th, citizens have united in protests, established camps and voiced their discontent. We talk to Alberto Pascual from Valencia, reflecting on his experience. He has been involved in the movement since its formation in May.

www.democracy-international.org/protests-in-valencia.html

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5. ENA 2011: Democracy on the upswing

Edda Dietrich reports from the European Network Academy of Social Movements, which took place in Freiburg, Germany from August 9th to 14th. Democracy International, Mehr Demokratie Deutschland and Mehr Demokratie Österreich presented several workshops in regard to direct democracy.

www.democracy-international.org/online-videos-freiburg-ena.html

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