8. Democracy in the Context of the Project

Democracy, as understood by the project, is more than a system of elections. It is a cultural principle: the conscious decision to limit power, share responsibility, and resolve conflicts in a civilized manner. It thrives not only on representation but also on participation, transparency, and dialogue.

The democratic order embodies the idea that every person matters—not just as a voter, but as a thinking, feeling, and creative subject. Therefore, casting a vote every four years is not enough. Democracy in the project’s sense means thinking, speaking, and deciding together.

At the same time, the project recognizes that democracy depends on structures. However, these structures must remain adaptable. There is no perfect form—only better or worse ways of living democracy. The state has the task of guaranteeing the conditions for a democratic culture: free education, freedom of expression, independent media, social security, and institutional openness.

Democracy is vulnerable. It can be undermined by apathy, lies, or fear. Therefore, it needs protection—but not dogmatism. Defending democracy does not mean repression; it means safeguarding the conditions under which freedom is possible at all.

In the context of the project, democracy is an open process. Its goal is not unity but mutual understanding. Its strength does not lie in consensus but in dialogue. And its measure is not power but human dignity.