In a democratic, multi-party system, a good parliament is supposed to represent all the different elements of the society. It is, therefore, important that every voice is heard. Democracy of course means protecting the rights of the opposition as well. It’s not only the leading majority the one that should decide, but it’s also the voice of the minority that matters, said in an interview for Pobjeda president of the Parliament of Iceland, Steingrímur Sigfússon who visited Montenegro last week.
As he says, in comparison to 2006, Montenegro has made a significant progress.
“We supported your NATO aspirations and we immediately recognized your independence.It’s Icelandic tradition- we always try to support countries that strive to become independent. It’s related to the history of Iceland. In 1918, we achieved our independence from Denmark. For more than 50 years, we have been the smallest country in the UN and that’s why we always strove to give our support to other small countries that want to go forward”, said Mr Sigfússon.
He points out that the question of NATO membership has been controversial in Iceland for a very long time.
“Many people weren’t happy with that. We don’t have foreign bases, but we are NATO member. We support new Members, and every country that wants to become part of the Alliance. However, our policy of civil safety is aimed at much wider area, things like natural disasters, things that we are used to. For us, that’s more important aspect of the membership. The majority of our citizens is satisfied with NATO membership, but, of course, there were oppositions. We’re some sort of atypical NATO member, since we don’t have army. NATO member with zero soldiers”, said Sigfússon.
Sigfússon says that Balkan countries are usually small or middle-sized. Therefore, it’s important that they develop peaceful cooperation and settle the problems in that manner, without the use of force.
Speaking about the drawn-out boycott of our Parliament, he says that, clearly, the situation isn’t ideal.
“It’s very important that you have all representatives of the parliament in the Parliament and I’m glad that I had the chance to hear what the opposition has to say. Observing from the side however, this is not good and I hope it will change soon. Democracy also means protecting the rights of the opposition”, pointed out Sigfússon.
According to him, protests are very important part of democratic system and people should be allowed to express what they think loud and clear.
“In democratic societies, protests are normal thing, as long as they are peaceful. But it’s also a sign that you should consider what the people who protest are saying and to see how can you improve the situation so that your people are more satisfied. What can you do to improve social stability, to achieve equality. That’s what you can learn from Nordic countries, since they are stable, in political and economic sense. I believe that words of the people who protest must be heard and taken into consideration. You should always ask why they do that. Why are people protesting?”, concluded Sigfússon.
