President Christodoulides discusses democratic engagement at Economist round table

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides participated via video conference in a roundtable discussion organized by The Economist in Athens. The event focused on whether democracy is in decline or facing an adjustment crisis in the digital age. Christodoulides argued that citizen participation, dialogue, and accountability are key responses to democratic disengagement. He highlighted new government policies, including the institutionalization of a Citizen Legislative Initiative requiring 5,000 signatures. Other reforms mentioned include lowering the age for the right to be elected to 21 and the automatic voter registration of citizens upon turning 17. The President also detailed digital tools to foster decision-making transparency, such as the e-consultation portal, the 'Citizen's Voice' platform, the 'Ekfracy' youth platform, and the diakivernisi.gov.cy website. He concluded by asserting that democracy is not in decline but rather adapting to technological changes.