24 March 2025 - Democracy does not work with blackmail

The situation is being observed with concern, highlighting two serious problems: on the one hand, the inability or unwillingness of the police to effectively manage a gathering with existing means, and on the other, the problematic reaction of the government, which chooses communication management instead of effectively addressing the problem.

The right to protest is non-negotiable and fundamental for any democratic society. Regardless of our agreement or disagreement with the demands of any mobilization, citizens must be able to express their opinions peacefully. However, it is important to distinguish legitimate protest from actions that cause disproportionate suffering and act as blackmail against the rest of society.

Yesterday’s image of closed roads, barbecues and the direct intervention by telephone of the President constitutes an unprecedented mockery of the democratic process. The government seems to be introducing a new model of governance, where the noisiest and most extortionist gain the attention and interest of the authorities, while the rest of the citizens continue to patiently wait for solutions to their daily problems. This is not politics, but a tragic parody that chips away at the concept of a rule of law-based governance of the state.

At the same time, we condemn any attempt by the government to exploit such situations to impose further restrictions on the fundamental right of assembly. If attempts are made to instrumentalize these events to damage freedom of expression, we make it clear it is unacceptable and we will object.

We will not accept society paying for the inaction or expediency of anyone. The right to protest is not a concession, but a foundation of democracy, and we will not allow it to be attacked by anyone. Nor do we intend to accept that our democracy operates by the terms of “barbecuing” and “street occupation” by groups who believe that whoever lights the biggest barbecue determines the political agenda of the country.