中东欧常被描述为一个以民主倒退和威权民粹势力占据选举优势为特征的地区。这种形象虽然反映了部分现实，但并不完整。随着威权民粹主义者的崛起和巩固，自由进步政党及运动也随之出现，它们扩大了选民基础，在多国进入政府，并关键性地动员公民捍卫民主准则。
事实上，中东欧并非简单的民主衰落实验室，而是一个受文化极化、不断变化的数字媒体动态和制度压力影响，正在经历政治重新洗牌的地区。威权民粹主义者继续享有结构性优势，特别是在他们掌控了国家机构和媒体生态系统的地方。然而，自由进步参与者已经证明，选举和公民抵抗是可能且值得的。
专家小组将讨论中东欧地区威权民粹力量与自由进步力量之间的博弈。通过比较分析和具体的竞选案例，讨论将超越对民主衰落的诊断，转而关注行之有效的策略。小组专家将思考自由进步参与者如何动员支持、塑造叙事并捍卫民主制度——无论他们处于在野还是执政地位，以及政策制定者、捐助者和民主利益相关者可以从中学习到什么。
该活动在德国马歇尔基金会（GMF）的ReThink.CEE奖学金计划框架下举行。
Central and Eastern Europe is often portrayed as a region defined by democratic backsliding and the electoral dominance of authoritarian-populist forces. This image captures important realities, but it is incomplete. With the rise and entrenchment of authoritarian-populists, liberal-progressive parties and movements have also emerged, expanded their voter base, entered government in several countries, and—crucially—mobilized citizens to defend democratic norms. Central and Eastern Europe, in fact, is not simply a laboratory of democratic decline but a region undergoing political realignment shaped by cultural polarization, evolving digital media dynamics, and institutional stress. Authoritarian-populists continue to enjoy structural advantages, particularly where they have captured state institutions and media ecosystems. Yet liberal-progressive actors have demonstrated that electoral and civic resistance is possible and worthwhile.The panel will discuss the contest between authoritarian-populist and liberal-progressive forces in Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on comparative analysis and concrete campaign examples, the discussion will move beyond diagnoses of democratic decline to focus on strategies that have worked. Panelists will reflect on how liberal-progressive actors can mobilize support, shape narratives, and defend democratic institutions—whether they are in opposition or government—and what policymakers, donors, and democratic stakeholders can learn from these actions.To register for the event, please click on the button above. Details for access will be sent to registrants. For more information, please contact Zsuzsanna Végh at [email protected].The event takes place in the framework of GMF’s ReThink.CEE Fellowship program.