PRESS RELEASE | 15 September 2026

CIVIL – Center for Freedom joins the observance of International Day of Democracy and this year’s United Nations theme: “When every voice counts, democracy delivers.”

This call demands concrete commitments – institutions that listen to citizens, government that answers for its actions, and a society in which everyone can freely participate in decisions affecting their lives.

CIVIL warns that pressure on democratic institutions, independent media and civil society in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans threatens the region’s freedom, equality and European future.

Democracy is also undermined gradually: through the politicisation of institutions, selective justice, opaque spending of public money, intimidation of critics and the transformation of public debate into a space for discrediting opponents. When such practices become commonplace, abuse begins to be accepted as a normal way of governing.

In North Macedonia, corruption, clientelism and pressure on journalists and activists remain serious problems, also documented in the Freedom House report for 2026. An electoral mandate carries a responsibility to serve all citizens. It does not confer the right to treat the state as party property.

Of particular concern is the wearing down of independent journalism and civil society through financial insecurity, smear campaigns and legal pressure. Reporters Without Borders points to political and economic pressure on the media, insufficient transparency and lawsuits used to intimidate independent newsrooms. The closure or silencing of a newsroom means less information, less scrutiny of those in power and less space for citizens’ voices.

In the Western Balkans, CIVIL warns of the danger of authoritarian practices, nationalist mobilisation and disinformation campaigns reinforcing one another. The glorification of war criminals, denial of crimes and incitement of ethnic hatred humiliate victims, destroy trust and create conditions for renewed division and violence. Political leaders and institutions have a responsibility to oppose these practices unequivocally.

People experience the consequences of democratic backsliding in their daily lives: through injustice, unequal access to services and jobs, corruption that drains shared resources, and fear of demanding accountability. The continuation of these processes deepens distrust, drives emigration and leaves the region vulnerable to external authoritarian influence. Democratic backsliding carries a human, economic and security cost.

CIVIL calls on all citizens to defend democracy through daily, peaceful and persistent action:

• Demand answers and accountability. Follow how public money is spent and how decisions are made in your municipality and across the country.
• Support independent journalism. Read, share and, where possible, support the work of media that uphold the public interest.
• Verify before sharing. Challenge disinformation, hate speech and attempts to portray your neighbours and fellow citizens as enemies.
• Participate and organise. Use public debates, civic initiatives, associations, trade unions, peaceful protests and elections to influence decisions.
• Stand with those under pressure. Defending someone else’s right to speak also means defending your own freedom.

We call on the Government, Parliament, local authorities, judicial bodies and political parties to ensure transparency, equality before the law, protection for journalists and activists, and meaningful public participation. Responsibility for safeguarding democratic conditions rests primarily with those who wield institutional power. The call for civic participation does not relieve them of that obligation.

As a co-founder of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative (DDGI) and a partner in the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine (WA4U), CIVIL connects its work in the country and the region with international solidarity in defence of freedom. Today’s DDGI and WA4U statement stresses: “Democracy depends on people’s ability to speak freely, access reliable information, participate in decisions and hold those in power accountable.” It also states: “Standing with Ukraine is a crucial part of that responsibility.” CIVIL reaffirms its solidarity with Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression and with the right of its citizens to determine their own future.

Democratic backsliding can be stopped. This requires independent institutions, informed and active citizens, and solidarity that transcends party, ethnic, religious and national boundaries.

Your voice. Your freedom. Our democracy.

CIVIL – Center for Freedom