Pordenonelegge event discusses the fragility of Western democracy

During the Pordenonelegge festival at the Teatro Verdi in Pordenone, speakers discussed the precarious state of Western democracy. The event centered on the presentation of the book ‘Il lievito della democrazia’ (The Leaven of Democracy), a choral volume featuring 34 contributions.

Regional Councilor Furio Honsell and researcher Francesco Stoppa addressed how social fragmentation and a lack of community feeling threaten democratic institutions. They noted that modern politics often prioritizes seeking public consensus over fulfilling responsibilities toward citizens. Honsell emphasized the importance of listening and recognizing the needs of the marginalized, suggesting that the book should serve as a formative text for those entering political service. The discussion highlighted the tension between democracy’s reliance on dialogue and compromise versus the rise of physical and hybrid violence.