Democracy faces challenges from inequality and autocratic trends

Discussions regarding the state of modern democracy highlight the tension between democratic principles and rising autocratic trends. The concept of the separation of powers, originally formulated by thinkers like Montesquieu and John Locke, remains a central pillar for preventing absolute rule and ensuring judicial autonomy.

In Spain, concerns have been raised regarding the delegitimization of the judiciary, a phenomenon often referred to as lawfare, where judicial actions are perceived as being influenced by political or ideological biases.

On an international scale, the debate extends to economic inequality. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has argued that democracy is ineffective if citizens cannot meet their basic needs. While extreme inequality can weaken democratic structures, proponents argue that democracy remains the essential tool for correcting such imbalances. The global landscape currently shows a trend of democratic retreat, with an increasing number of nations falling under autocratic leadership.