Skopje, 9 December 2021 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski addressed Thursday the plenary session of The Summit for Democracy, hosted virtually by United States President Joe Biden. “This year, North Macedonia observes 30 years of its independence, the time when we embraced democracy and enshrined liberty, fundamental human rights and justice for all in our Constitution. Our democracy emerged after half a century of authoritarian rule. After the fall of communism, we went through a complex process of building a country and building democracy,” said President Pendarovski. Unlike countries of Central and Eastern Europe, he added, who reaped the benefits of Europe’s unification, North Macedonia was part of a region that saw the most heinous war crimes after World War II, although the country managed to avoid a civil war, the President’s Office said in a press release. “The strategic objectives of NATO and EU accession were a strong incentive in the enhancement of the citizens’ trust in the democratic model of governance. Nevertheless, we have witnessed a rise of populism and authoritarian trends on all continents, even in the most solid democracies, over the last decade. They challenge democracy and make it vulnerable,” said the President. According to him, there is no alternative and time should not be wasted, whereas revitalization of democracy is of essential significance in managing this unprecedented challenge. “We are fully aware that our security, prosperity and fundamental rights and liberties are intertwined. North Macedonia fully supports this gathering and is prepared to reengage for the fundamentals of the free world,” noted Pendarovski. The Summit for Democracy brings together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action.