Skopje, 15 September 2025 (MIA) - Democracy is not something that is given, but an ongoing process, and its future, whether it will progress, depends on the young generations. Political institutions and parties must open up more space for youth participation, and young people must seize that opportunity for political activism.

This was the message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy - September 15, at Monday's event at the Parliament, where high school students from several cities in the country were presented with the benefits, opportunities and challenges of democracy, as a system relating to their daily choices and opportunities they should use to bring about change. 

Today's educational seminar "Democracy and Parliament" urged students to work together to defend democracy as the best framework for freedom, noting that fewer people live in a democracy today. The Parliament, it was pointed out, has an important role because it is the core of democracy and the place where dialogue and compromise should prevail. 

Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said in his opening remarks that young people should be motivated towards political and social activism, greater participation in democratic processes, regarding which, he pointed out, the best place is the Parliament.

"Citizens give us, the MPs, a voice, and we pass laws and decisions important for the country's future through debates and parliamentary procedures. I would like to see each of you as of today to be motivated to see yourself among the benches of the Parliament, if not in the Speaker's seat. Each of you has the capacity. The essence of democracy is what we do for others, which is also the essence of life. It is where the human and humane begins. In parallel with building yourself intellectually, ethically and professionally, I want you to build another component - political and social activism - what you will do for others, for your family, friends, neighbourhood," said Gashi. 

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in the country, Michal Harari, stressed that "the future of democracy is not something that is given, and it depends on the younger generations."

"Your voice, your participation and your courage will determine whether democracy in the country will progress or decline. Political institutions and parties must open up more space for young people to participate, but young people must also seize that opportunity and get involved," said Deputy Head of Mission Harari. 

She pointed out that there are different democracies, and even those that seem stable now face many challenges, adding that we live at a time of fake news, polarization, short-term thinking and politics, and very weak dialogue in many societies. She added that it is very important to discuss democracy, noting that if a decade ago half of the world's population lived in a democratic system, today this has been reduced to one third.

"Fewer people actually live in a democracy. Such decline is not only a threat to institutions, but also to the future of young people, their right to speak freely, to study, to work and to live safely. According to many reports by international organizations, global freedom has also been declining significantly for 19 years, and keeps declining every year. In years when elections are held around the world, it is very important to think again about democracy. Many electoral processes are marked by violence and efforts to limit the choice of voters. But democracy is not a finished product, it is an ongoing process and practice," the Deputy Head of Mission said.

Parliament Vice-Speaker Antonio Miloshoski also addressed the high school students, pointing to the benefits of living on the European continent where democracy has the best development and standards so far.

"Democracy is not an ideal system, it has its shortcomings, it can be abused, but it is still the best system of governance, control, election, appointing and recalling elected officials, etc. That system should be maintained and improved," said Miloshoski.

The Parliament Vice-Speaker presented to the high school students the systems of governance in the country, as well as in the Swiss Confederation, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea. 

"Macedonia follows the example of continental European democracy, somewhat similar to Germany where there is local self-government elected in a democratic manner, with mayors, councillors, an executive branch, a government that has the greatest powers, a Parliament that controls it, and a democratically, directly elected President of the country that can also be recalled," Miloshoski added.

Activities with young people in the Parliament on Monday include a presentation by the parliamentary services on the topic of "Political Literacy, Democracy and Active Citizenship", as well as a workshop, recording TikTok short videos, and a quiz competition on democracy.

Photo: MIA