Leaders at the Athens Democracy Forum convened to discuss the escalating challenges to democratic governance, emphasizing the dual threats posed by internal and external pressures. The discussions were framed against the backdrop of recent events, including South Korea’s emergency martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2’th 2024, which was swiftly followed by the restoration of democratic order, a moment described by former National Assembly member Jaeyoung Lee as ‘unfathomable.’ The forum aimed to explore how democratic institutions can withstand such crises.
Participants from various countries shared insights on how to reinforce democratic values and address systemic vulnerabilities. While some viewed the South Korea incident as a rare exception, others warned of broader trends that could endanger democratic norms. The event underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in safeguarding democratic principles against both domestic and international threats.