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Democracy Updates
As ethnic divisions ease in the Balkans, political parties across the spectrum are finding the need for new approaches that focus on thoughtful policy debate rather than personality and ethnicity. Young leaders in particular will play an important role in these changes.
In partnership with the VMRO-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), NDI co-hosted a meeting Feb. 5-7 of 35 young leaders from center-right Balkan political parties. At the meeting in Skopje, Macedonia, participants focused on how to attract youth to conservative values in the 21st century as well as how to tackle a wide range of issues, including those not traditionally seen as conservative.
In-Country Perspectives
The largest ethnic minority in Central and Eastern Europe, Roma continue to face discrimination and marginalization due to poverty, social ills and, in many cases, physical isolation. They are significantly underrepresented in mainstream political parties, hold few elected offices and have been unable to use political channels to solve many economic and social problems that affect their communities. NDI has been working with local candidates and political parties throughout the region in an effort to help Roma secure more equal political representation at all levels of government.
Slovakia
In the decade since the removal of Vladimir Meciar’s authoritarian government, Slovakia has transitioned to a full-fledged democracy and a model to others in the region. Highlighting this shift, NDI is working with the Slovak National Assembly to organize study trips for parliamentary staff from southeastern Europe to examine Slovakia’s legislative research, public outreach and administrative procedures.
However, not all of Slovakia’s citizens have benefited from the democratic transition. The country’s sizable Roma population has been left out of the democratic process, widening the gap between Romani and mainstream communities. Widespread poverty, discrimination and segregation facing the Roma has produced episodes of civil unrest.
Past Programs
Roma Political Participation
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