Brussels, 8 August 2016. The Centrist Democratic International (IDC-CDI), chaired by former President of Colombia Andrés Pastrana, has today condemned the political situations and lack of civil and democratic freedoms in Nicaragua and Venezuela.

In its Resolution, the IDC-CDI warns of “new kinds of authoritarianism” exerted by some leaders who, acting on a mandate of “initial legitimacy”, manipulate the rule of law and civil institutions to “remain in power without respecting the principle of democratic transition”.

Pastrana has declared that “the defence of fundamental freedoms and democratic values are at the heart of the IDC-CDI; therefore, we are deeply concerned about both the political situation and the reduction of public freedom in Venezuela as well as the alarming authoritarian shift in Nicaragua.”

“I call for a firm defense of democracy in view of the threat of populism globally. These two countries are already suffering the consequences of these kind of regimes”, affirmed the IDC-CDI president.Add New

The resolution asks international organisations and the countries that comply with them to adopt measures guaranteeing the rule of law and transparency; it also calls for the restoration of democratic participation and the respect for human rights and freedoms in both Venezuela and Nicaragua.

The Centrist Democratic International (IDC-CDI) is a centre-right organisation gathering 85 political parties from 67 countries around the world.

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