Democracy Under Pressure: Lessons from Cyprus Forum 2025 In the aftermath of Cyprus Forum 2025, conversations around democr

In the aftermath of Cyprus Forum 2025, conversations around democracy, civic participation, and disinformation continue to resonate strongly. In an interview with Philenews, Dr. Dominik Hierlemann, Senior Expert at Germany’s Bertelsmann Stiftung and guest speaker at the Forum, reflected on the urgent need for democracies to reconnect with citizens by addressing real and everyday needs—improving education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.

Hierlemann observed that while liberal democracy has long been the dominant political model, its global appeal has been waning due to growing populism, polarization, and social inequality. Yet, he underscored that renewal lies not in rejecting democratic principles but in rethinking participation—through inclusive dialogue, citizen assemblies, and stronger institutional accountability. Highlighting the growing threat of disinformation, particularly during elections, he called for enhanced media literacy, transparent digital governance, and sustained support for quality journalism.

These reflections echo the core spirit of Cyprus Forum 2025: fostering open, evidence-based dialogue on the future of democracy in a rapidly changing world.