Parliaments are central institutions of democracy, responsible for representing citizens, deliberating policies, and holding governments accountable. However, their capacity to fulfill these roles is increasingly challenged by democratic backsliding, political polarization, and crises that often shift power dynamics in favor of the executive. This panel examines how these pressures affect parliamentary systems, focusing on their ability to resist autocratization, maintain effective governance, and uphold democratic norms.
The discussions will explore key themes, including the “parliamentary spirit” needed to sustain democratic values in polarized environments, the impact of executive dominance during crises on legislative oversight, and how parliaments navigate cultural, ideological, and structural tensions. By analyzing diverse cases and contexts, the panel aims to deepen our understanding of the evolving role of parliaments and the conditions under which they can remain resilient as cornerstones of democratic governance.