In Minister Czaputowicz’s opinion, Russians want their country to change. The key to achieve this is the civil society involvement and the presence of opposition which is the foundation of modern democracies. Minister Czaputowicz: “Boris [Nemtsov] believed that Russia can open up to the world. He paid the highest price for his dreams, commitment, courage and fight for freedom,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He also recalled that Poland remains a supporter of democratic transition in this part of Europe: “We support civil society, democratic processes in Russia and Ukraine’s European and Atlantic aspirations. We seek to broaden the room for dialogue with Belarus, boost the Eastern Partnership policy and enhance the EU’s presence in the region.” The minister also expressed his hope that the meetings in Warsaw will launch an honest dialogue in the spirit of mutual understanding, and that discussions initiated at the Forum will lead to specific actions.

The forum is organised by the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom and the W.O.T. Foundation. It is an integration platform for a liberal Russian community in the European Union and representatives of Russia’s civil society, academic community, businesses, think-tanks and politics. Each year, it brings together a few hundred people not only from Russia, but also from many other countries. The forum’s opening day is not accidental as 9 October marks the birthday of Boris Nemtsov, one of the leaders of Russian opposition who was murdered in 2015.  

The motto of the forum’s fourth edition 2019 is “Fighting fear - in Russia and beyond.” It focused on overcoming stereotypes and fears in Russia. The forum’s thematic panels analysed the impact of spreading fear on consolidating stereotypes, weakening democracy’s balance and fomenting violence. The discussion also centred on Russia’s social, economic and political situation.

Prior to opening the Boris Nemtsov Forum, Minister Czaputowicz met with representatives of Russia’s civil society. They discussed Russia’s current political situation with special emphasis on the functioning of independent NGOs and the opposition. Minister Czaputowicz reaffirmed Poland’s solidarity with the civil society of Russia and its readiness to support circles engaged in the process of Russia’s democratic transition.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski/MFA