On 19 February, ALDE Party, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Momentum co-hosted an engaging debate on safeguarding democracy and preserving the rule of law.

While Hungary under the rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has become a prime example of leaders promoting anti-European messages, it is not just the liberty of Hungarians that is at stake, but the European integration as a whole.

“We can see backsliding in Hungary and in some other countries but I’m also very optimistic, because in the last five years I have noticed that the topic of rule of law and more generally upholding the European values [...] have risen on the political agenda very, very rapidly,” said Sophie in 't Veld, MEP and Head of List of D66 for the European elections.

Anna Donáth, Vice-President of Momentum and European elections candidate, described the new movement the party has created in Hungary, “For us, there is nothing else than the future. There is way much more ahead of us than behind us. And it’s our responsibility how this future is going to happen.”

Donáth also shared an important reminder that holds true to all European Member States getting ready for the European elections this spring: “Protesting is just one tool of resistance. [...] Participating in elections is also a form, a democratic form, of resistance.”

You can watch a recording of the debate below and at ALDE Party Facebook page.