Lionel Beffre, Monaco's Minister of the Interior, addressed the 51st session of the Congress on 28 October on behalf of Monaco's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In his speech, Minister Lionel Beffre emphasised the importance of local and regional authorities in upholding human dignity and citizens' fundamental freedoms.
He also emphasised the importance of youth participation for democracy, particularly in tackling disinformation: "Protecting our democracies does not mean deciding for young people (…), but giving them the knowledge, the tools and the critical thinking skills necessary to enable them to stand by their convictions, make their own choices and participate in democratic life".
"Ukraine is defending not only its sovereignty and independence, but also European values and the rules-based international order": Mr Beffre reaffirmed the sincere and unwavering support of his country and the entire Council of Europe for Ukraine, and reiterated the priority of protecting Ukrainian children who have been illegally transferred or forcibly displaced.
He also called for cooperation in the face of the fragmentation of public debate and the growing polarisation of our societies, as well as all the other "interlinked phenomena that weaken our democracies, erode citizens' trust and undermine the credibility of institutions".
In conclusion to his address, the Minister of the Interior expressed his support for and interest in the proposal for the New Democratic Pact, as well as the proposal for an Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the environment.
