Skopje, 15 September 2026 (MIA) — Democracy is learned from an early age through respecting different opinions, participating in decision making and engaging in the community, lawmakers said Tuesday at an event in Parliament marking Sept. 15, International Day of Democracy.

Elementary school students, members of Parliament and representatives of the Swiss Embassy gathered to discuss democratic values, the role of Parliament, and the importance of young people participating in public life.

Deputy Parliament Speaker Antonijo Miloshoski told the students that Parliament passes laws governing citizens' everyday lives.

"Democracy is when you and your classmates decide together where you want to go on a field trip," Miloshoski said, giving examples ranging from Matka and Ohrid to Katlanovo and Vodno. "You all have to vote and decide together where you will go."

He added that respecting majority rule is the essence of democratic culture.

"Those who think differently are not enemies," Miloshoski said. "Democracy is a level of social development where the majority decision is respected even by those who did not succeed in imposing their position. That is not weakness; it is an expression of political culture."

Swiss Ambassador Christoph Sommer said democracy is not limited to elections and institutions but is practiced in daily life.

"Democracy means having a voice, expressing your opinion, listening to others, asking questions and even disagreeing, yet ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the society we live in," Sommer said.

He noted that young people play an important role in democratic processes.

"Democracy does not begin when you become old enough to vote," the Swiss ambassador said. "It begins the moment you realize your voice matters."

Sommer said democratic values need to be cherished.

"Democracy should never be taken for granted," he said, noting that it is not a finished product left on a shelf, but something that has to be practiced, nurtured and promoted. He added that the future of democracy depends on every individual, not just parliaments, governments and political parties.

Parliamentary Institute head Zlatko Atanasov said Parliament was a "home for all citizens" and that democracy is built and learned through education. He stressed that no one is born a democrat, but rather learns to respect the rights of others through life experience, which is why Parliament organizes this kind of events for young people.

Atanasov, too, said parliamentary democracy must be cherished, especially keeping in mind periods when citizens lacked the ability to determine their own future.

After the opening remarks, the students took part in an interactive session on the topic of democracy. The session included the screening of a video titled "How Shari Became an MP." It was followed by a discussion with lawmakers to help the students better understand parliamentary democracy and decision making. mr/