Agenda Democracia Forte: actions for Strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law
Agenda Democracia Forte: actions for Strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law
The urgency to ensure the protection of the pillars that sustain the Democratic Rule of Law in Brazil became evident after the attacks on January 8, 2023, a moment of notable convergence in a prolonged history of threats to democracy in the country. Coordinated and centralized, democratic foundations were systematically undermined.
Pacto pela Democracia advocates for the creation of an agenda structured around eight fundamental pillars to protect democracy, strengthen the Democratic Rule of Law, and prevent episodes like those that occurred on January 8. It is essential for institutions engaged in the improvement of Brazilian democracy to guide their actions in the present and future based on this agenda.
Preserving democracy is not solely the responsibility of government institutions but a collective effort in which civil society plays a fundamental role. This document provides strategic guidance and serves as an inspiring source to guide decisions and initiatives towards the consolidation of a strong democracy.
Explore the complete agenda on the Democracia Forte (Strong Democracy) campaign website: www.democraciaforte.org.br.
Pacto pela Democracia advocates for the creation of a structured agenda based on eight fundamental pillars aimed at protecting democracy, strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law, and preventing episodes like those that occurred on January 8:
1) Accountability and memory of crimes against democracy, 2) Depoliticization and democratization of security forces, 3) Defense and strengthening of the electoral system, 4) Qualification and promotion of public debate, 5) civil society participation in federative powers, 6) Citizen and Democratic education, 7) Balance of Powers 8) International Articulation.
Committee to Investigate the January 8th Attack: Pacto pela Democracia contributed to strengthening the Commission
It was within the context of the Investigative Committee (CPMI) that the first version of the Agenda Democracia Forte emerged, based on suggestions for the final report grounded in fundamental pillars for strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law. Pacto pela Democracia was even mentioned in the Commission's final report with suggestions for priority agendas to defend democracy and ensure the non-repetition of the January 8th coup attempt.
The Committee that investigated the January 8th coup attempts began on June 6th, 2023, and concluded its work on October 17th of this year. Even before its inception, the organizations within the Pacto pela Democracia network were already monitoring the Commission's preliminary work, which sought to investigate those responsible for the anti-democratic attacks.
In this context, civil society actively engaged, closely monitoring the commission's procedures and forming alliances with the involved lawmakers. This joint effort aimed to provide civil society with an active voice and a central role in defending democracy. The Pacto's network, convened within the Accountability Working Group, led these initiatives. There was a significant effort to provide relevant information and assist in testimonies, contributing significantly to data collection and analysis.