Vejjajiva, Philippine VP Robredo oppose rise of authoritarianism

BANGKOK, 19 November 2018 — Former Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva and Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo discussed the increasing threat of authoritarianism, when they spoke before a gathering of liberals from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America in Bangkok on Monday, 19 November.

The continued restriction on political space in Thailand, and the attempts to intimidate government critics in the Philippines, are some of the biggest challenges to democracy in the two countries. Vejjajiva and Robredo are both leaders working to defend liberal democratic values against the rising threat of authoritarianism, as heads of the Democratic Party (DP) and the Liberal Party (LP), respectively.

Robredo spoke at the 25th Founding Anniversary of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), where Vejjajiva currently sits as chair. The gathering highlighted the issue of populism, illiberalism, and authoritarianism, and aims to explore ways on how liberals in Asia and Europe can stand amid such global challenges.

“We never falter in our commitment to democracy, rule of law, and human rights, no matter how the rest of the world may dismiss them now”, said Robredo. “In fact, we must forge stronger bonds so that we can be better liberals and democrats than ever before, as we confront the many forces that trample on the very freedoms we hold dear.”

For his part, Vejjajiva underscored the importance of upholding the values that CALD stands for, amid current threats posed against democracy.

“The core liberal and democratic values to which the organization is based on — democracy, human rights, social market economy and the rule of law — should continue to be upheld and should remain non-negotiable because they are the best guarantee for peace and prosperity,” he said.

“The way they should be communicated and implemented, however, should reflect the most important issues and concerns that our people hold dear,” he added.

Robredo’s visit is part of a three-day conference entitled Reclaiming Democracy, Rebuilding Society, organized by CALD and DP from November 18-20, 2018.

For more information about the event, visit the CALD facebook account: facebook.com/asianliberals.