Democracy, a reminder of the value of freedom

By Ali Ahmeti

Today we mark the International Day of Democracy, a day that reminds us of the value of freedom, pluralism and the responsibility we have as a society.

Democracy is, above all, the highest test of political maturity. It is more than an architecture of institutions and more than an electoral process.

It is the silent covenant between the state and the citizen that freedom is not negotiated, dignity is not relativized and equality does not remain merely a principle on paper.

In a society built on diversity, true democracy does not demand uniformity. It creates space for differences, gives pluralism institutional dignity and transforms coexistence from a historical necessity into a state-building value.

Democracy must be a culture of society and the standard of every institution, every political structure, every contest and every decision-making. Lasting peace is built on democracy, while lasting democracy is built on respect, dialogue and equality.

In the face of the challenges of the times and the changes affecting the region and Europe, our answer must be more democracy, more dialogue and more prudence in decision-making.

This is the standard our country needs, as the foundation of a shared, fairer, more sustainable and more European future.

This is the direction that brings us closer to Europe.