Gavrilița urges stronger democratic safeguards at Strasbourg forum
Former Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița called for stronger democratic institutions, transparent AI systems and independent media at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg on November 3.
Rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions
Speaking at the 14th edition of the World Forum for Democracy, Gavrilița stressed that democratic governments must become more effective and rethink how they engage with citizens to restore public confidence.
She also called for renewed civic education in schools, including philosophy and subjects that equip young people to navigate the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
“I focused mainly on the need for institutions in democratic systems to be effective and rethink how they interact with people so that citizens can regain their trust in them,” the former prime minister said in an interview with Radio Moldova.
Gavrilița also highlighted the importance of multilateralism, particularly for smaller countries such as Moldova, which have limited influence over major technology companies when acting alone.
“When we act together, we are stronger and can take part in shaping international rules,” she said.
Technology companies and the concentration of power
Gavrilița warned that public trust in democratic institutions is being undermined by several developments, including technological change, illicit financial flows, disinformation, crime and wars.
She identified the concentration of economic power among major technology companies as another growing threat to democracy. Through their digital platforms, these companies can influence what information people see and how they distinguish between facts and falsehoods.
“Power has become too concentrated in the hands of certain economic interests. This is particularly evident internationally,” Gavrilița said.
She called for greater transparency in the way algorithms operate, as well as clear labelling of AI-generated content and fake online profiles.
“I called for algorithms and the way they work to be transparent, and for clear labels whenever content has been generated by artificial intelligence or when profiles are not genuine,” she said.
Independent media as a safeguard against disinformation
The former prime minister also stressed the importance of independent media and investigative journalism in exposing disinformation and countering social polarisation.
“We must support independent media and investigative journalists who can help us uncover the truth,” Gavrilița said.
She warned that growing divisions within families and communities could further undermine prospects for peace, both in the region and worldwide.
Democracy requires constant protection
Addressing the erosion of public trust in democracy, including in European countries with long-standing democratic traditions, Gavrilița recalled that citizens have historically organised themselves to limit political power and defend their rights.
“We realise that democracy must be defended every day,” she said.
She pointed to the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights as essential mechanisms allowing citizens to seek justice even when their rights have been violated by their own governments.
Gavrilița argued that rapid technological transformation is changing how power is concentrated and exercised, both internationally and within individual countries, including Moldova.
She urged younger generations to mobilise and rethink democratic institutions, identifying new mechanisms that can protect fundamental values such as freedom, human rights and the rule of law.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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