About: democratisation
Kazakhstan holds parliamentary elections
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree scheduling the parliamentary elections for the Majilis for 10 January 2021. The elections are seen as another step in the process of “controlled democratisation” of the former Soviet republic.
Tens of thousands in Lithuania form human chain for Belarus
Tens of thousands of Lithuanians linked arms on Sunday (23 August) in solidarity with the people of neighbouring Belarus who have been holding mass protests against authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko since a disputed presidential election two weeks ago.
US report on Georgia: Political will needed to cement the democratic elections
A prestigious non-partisan US institute gave a generally positive assessment of the recent electoral reforms in Georgia, a country in the EU's neighbourhoud nourishing hopes to join the Union and NATO.
Kazakhstan’s ‘unique’ leadership transition marks its first anniversary
On 12 June, Kazakhstan will mark the first anniversary of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's election as president. EURACTIV looks into the unique transition of power between Nursultan Nazarbayev, who re-established statehood after the Soviet domination, and Tokayev, who spearheads 'controlled democratisation'.
Kazakhstan adopts a new law on rallies encouraging pluralism
Kazakhstan adopted the new law on peaceful assemblies, continuing its path of “controlled democratisation" with more liberal legislation that analysts said is helping to develop strong multi-party democracy.
Kazakhstan’s leadership opens up to ‘alternative opinion’
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a major agenda-setting speech on Friday (20 December), outlining measures to improve the economy and social standards, but also introducing several democratic reforms.
Uzbekistan holds first legislative polls under pro-reform leader
Uzbekistan votes Sunday (22 December) in the former Soviet republic's first parliamentary elections since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and stagnation, yet voters' choices remain highly restricted.
Kazakhstan’s new president vows to pursue controlled democratisation
Kazakhstan’s new President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered on Monday (2 September) his first major speech following his election last June, defining his policies in all fields of the economy and society.
EU, Cuba build ties in face of US pressure
The EU and Cuba signed a renewable energy deal on Tuesday (15 May), a step towards normalising relations in defiance of Washington's continuing hardline stance on Havana.
Ethiopia’s prime minister resigns to smooth path for political reform
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn suddenly resigned yesterday (15 February) in what he described as a bid to smooth reforms, following years of violent unrest that threatened the ruling party’s hold on Africa’s second most populous nation.
‘Central Asia Spring’ hailed after Uzbekistan changed leadership
A leading MEP said on Tuesday (28 November) that regional cooperation in Central Asia was benefitting from “a new beginning” thanks to democratisation in Uzbekistan flowing the death of its first leader Islam Karimov in 2016.
EU hesitates to recognise Kazakhstan as European
Kazakhstan is searching for a post-Soviet identity somewhere between its traditional Kazakh and Turkish cultures, Europe and multiculturalism, diplomats have told EURACTIV. But Europe has been slow to forge closer ties with the young country, despite its strategic location and potential.
Portugal, EU pay last respects to ex-leader Soares
Portugal on Sunday (8 January) prepared to pay its final respects to Mário Soares, widely seen as the father of the country's modern-day democracy, after the former president died in hospital, at the age of 92.
Venezuelan opposition thrashes ‘Chavismo’
Venezuela's opposition trounced the ruling Socialists yesterday (6 December) to win the legislature for the first time in 16 years and gain a long-sought platform to challenge President Nicolas Maduro's rule of the OPEC nation.
Europe and Myanmar strengthen ties ahead of elections
Myanmar is progressing at a snail's pace towards the end of nearly half a century of military rule. The campaign for the first free elections, to be held on 8 November, started on Tuesday (September 8). EURACTIV reports from Yangon.
EU-Cuba talks unlikely to conclude before December deadline
The European Union and Cuba opened a new round of talks on normalizing ties yesterday (9 September) in Havana, taking on the sensitive subjects of politics and human rights.
Aung San Suu Kyi calls on the world to closely watch the Myanmar election
As official campaigning starts in Myanmar’s long-awaited general election the leader of the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi called on the world to keep a close eye on the process.
Czechs mark Velvet Revolution anniversary with red cards and candles
Czechs marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism in Prague on Monday by again marching in protest, this time waving red cards, rather than jangling their keys to serve notice to unpopular rulers.
‘Jasmine revolution’ rocks Egypt
Unprecedented protests demanding an end to President Hosni Mubarak's authoritarian rule took place in Egypt's capital Cairo yesterday (25 January). Demonstrators said they were inspired by the recent uprising in Tunisia.
New opposition leader brings excitement to Turkish politics
The election of Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu as leader of the main Turkish opposition CHP party was heralded by the press as a potential earthquake in the country’s politics. EURACTIV Turkey contributed to this article.