Start for International Democracy Festival "Participate 2025" in Vienna

Together with the festival visitors, strategies against the "script of authoritarian forces" and for strengthening democracy are to be developed. The festival is organized by "Faktor D," the democracy network for the DACH region.

The festival is also seen as the kickoff for the "Democracy Playbook 2029," a multi-year process that aims to consolidate the first joint strategies of democratic actors in the German-speaking region. In the election year 2029 - with the National Council election in Austria, the Bundestag election in Germany, and the European election - an effective democratic force is to emerge from it.

Democracy Strategy Against the "Authoritarian Script"

"The authoritarian script is already in production - it works with fear and powerlessness. And it works. The democratic response is still pending. Now we need joint strategies - and spaces where people come together who really want to make a difference," explained Nina Schnider, managing director of "Faktor D" in Austria, in a press release.

As an example, she referred to the USA, where the initiative "Project 2025" is advancing an authoritarian restructuring of the government. In the first 300 days of the current government under Donald Trump, nearly half of the planned measures have already been implemented - including mass layoffs of federal employees, restructuring of the Department of Justice, and interventions in media and universities. "It goes incredibly fast when you have a plan," emphasized Schnider to the APA.

Austria's Democracy in Decline

In Austria, it is currently mainly creeping processes that endanger democracy, said Schnider, referring to attacks against NGOs by the FPÖ, which would follow authoritarian strategies of other countries.

The current Democracy Index also points to a deterioration of the democratic situation in Austria. Particularly affected are the areas of fundamental rights, civil society, and media. The report criticizes, among other things, increased surveillance, restriction of digital rights, and pressure on NGOs.

Experts see a downward trend and emphasize the need for a counter-strategy. The index recommends, among other things, moving away from mass surveillance, strengthening citizen initiatives, and promoting quality journalism.

Over 60 Events in Vienna

The four-day festival includes over 60 events, discussion rounds, workshops, participatory labs, lectures, and art performances. Topics include dealing with online hate and disinformation, recognizing authoritarian patterns in society, and ways to become active in one's own environment. The full program is available on the "Faktor D" website.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.