21/03/2025 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament
Speaking today at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments in Strasbourg, Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, spoke of the worrying phenomenon of violence against politicians “which has a serious impact on civil coexistence and the very resilience of democratic systems”.
“These acts of violence are multiplying in Europe and beyond, and take a variety of forms, from hate speech to physical aggression and, in the most serious cases, murder,” said Mr Fontana, underlining that they stem from the gap that has widened over time between citizens and institutions.
In this context, “politicians have a responsibility to respond more effectively and concretely to the expectations of citizens, rebuilding the relationship of trust that is essential to democracy,” Mr Fontana believes. “It is essential to bring citizens closer to the institutions, by strengthening communication and listening channels as well as forms of participation in the decision-making process”.
He also emphasised the importance of cultivating dialogue, confrontation and respect in diversity of opinions. “The parliamentary Assemblies that we represent are committed in the front line to reaffirming the value of democratic confrontation and to countering all forms of violence,” Mr Fontana concluded.