As Europe faces rising populism, democratic fatigue, and geopolitical tension, the idea of liberal democracy is being tested both from within and beyond the European Union. Lithuanian MEP Dainius Zalimas, Lithuania’s former Constitutional Court chairman and now Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), sees this moment as pivotal for the continent’s democratic resilience. Representing the EP’s Renew Europe Group, Zalimas argues that democracy must be both principled and capable of defending itself in times like these. “Measures that may not appear liberal are sometimes necessary to counter disinformation, broader forms of aggression, and other hybrid threats,” Zalimas told The Baltic Times Magazine.

Recently, in the European Parliament, I noticed that in conversations and debates among MEPs – and even in EU documents – the key words “liberal democracy” are mentioned less frequently. Do you observe the same trend? What do you make of it?

An interesting observation. Perhaps some associate liberal democracy only with liberalism as an ideology, although I believe that, by the term, many refer to a quality democracy – a democracy where each individual and his or her dignity are respected, and where the majority in power respects the rights of minorities. So, democracy is not just about the mathematical majority when voting and adopting decisions – it is about the ability to balance the legitimate interests of minorities while adhering to the key principles of what democracy is all about: respect, plurality, and human rights.

Yet, speaking figuratively, democracy – including liberal democracy – must have its teeth.