In the framework of International Conference on “Participatory democracy at local level”, the vice-president of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Amy Koopmanschap visited Armenia. We introduce the interview of Aravot.am with Mrs. Koopmanschap. In your opinion, what are the three main principles of how to reach a real democracy in our country? – I think democracy can not go without inhabitants as participants. And you have to let them participate in all small or big things. So, only in that way politicians know how people are thinking about something, and they know how to make politics make the decisions. And the best to do is to communicate from both sides and mostly the wish is coming from the government or the national government but you also have to hear or want to hear what inhabitants have to tell, what their wishes are. And it does not say that all the wishes can come true but if you don’t know what people want you can’t take an action and make a decision. – Is this your first visit to Armenia? – Yes, it’s my first time in Armenia. – OK, I think you already have some impressions. Does our government have the initiative of listening to the citizens? – It’s the first time I am in Armenia but I know Armenian people from the country of Europe. So, we talk a lot together and I can understand that they really want to promote participation in Armenia because it helps them to know what their voters want and so to make good decisions. And it’s not only in Armenia, it’s in all countries, in whole Europe. – And what about your country? What useful thing we can take from the experience of your country to reach democracy? – Well, it’s not only about democracy, it’s about participation and participation is one component of democracy. In Holland we had a long time participation and the most important part is the e-participation by Internet, by all form that we have on Internet. And it’s easy to understand what people are thinking. Internet is a huge field for discussions, you can ask questions, you can get answers. So, Internet is the easiest way to get information from, especially for politicians. – They say that democracy is a tool in the hands of dictators. Do you agree with this opinion? – I think democracy and dictatorship are opposite. If you want to know what people think and want, based on which you make a decision, then you can not be a dictator. A dictator has an idea and want to carry it out without taking into account the opinion of others. In Europe and outside of Europe we see that dictatorship ends where participation starts.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
