Panel: Super Election Year 2024 - Europe's Democracy under Pressure

The trust in democracy, its institutions, and the work of politicians has been declining in Germany and Austria for years. Especially among the youth and the lower economic strata of the population, distrust in the functioning of the political system is high. At the same time, an increasing number of citizens are participating in decision-making processes at the local level, and new small parties are emerging. This societal climate seems to favor the success of populists, with right-wing parties gaining ground across Europe. The fragmentation of party landscapes is accompanied by the decline of 'traditional' major parties. Against this backdrop, can stable government coalitions be formed in the future, and how resilient is the liberal rule of law against the threat from the right?"

Distrust in political institutions, particularly among young people and those with lower incomes, can deepen societal inequalities. The challenge is to strengthen trust in democratic processes and ensure that all citizens have equal participation in political life.

Trust in democratic institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law are fundamental to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. The question of the stability of government coalitions and the resilience of the liberal rule of law against right-wing threats is directly related to this goal.

Given the complex challenges arising from declining trust in democratic institutions and the rise of populism, coordinated collaboration between governments, civil society, and other stakeholders is crucial to building and maintaining stable and resilient democratic systems.