Democracy is about more than voting or institutions. It also depends on the freedom to inform, a diversity of viewpoints, the ability to debate, and the exercise of critical thinking. When the media are weakened, access to information is restricted, or freedom of expression is called into question, citizens’ very ability to understand the world and act collectively is threatened.
To mark its 20th anniversary and the publication of the book Défendons la démocratie ! by Éditions de la Martinière, Cartooning for Peace is taking over the Théâtre de la Concorde for a major civic and festive evening dedicated to the fight for democracy. In response to growing pressure on the media, the spread of disinformation, and attacks on the freedom to inform observed in many parts of the world, the evening will invite attendees to reflect on today’s democratic challenges and how they can be addressed collectively. Editorial cartoons, both a barometer and a watchdog of democracy, will provide the common thread throughout the discussions. Debates, conversations, and live drawing sessions will shape this event, which is open to everyone and will feature numerous cartoonists from the Cartooning for Peace network. At a time marked by crises, tensions, and isolationism, the evening aims to remind us that art, humor, and collective engagement remain powerful ways to defend fundamental freedoms, foster public debate, and reinvigorate democratic action. On the agenda The evening, held under the patronage of Plantu (founder and honorary president of Cartooning for Peace), will be hosted by Kak (president of Cartooning for Peace) and Vladimir Vasak (senior reporter at Arte). With special appearances by: - Gilles Finchelstein , secretary general of the Fondation Jean-Jaurès - Magali Lafourcade , magistrate and secretary general of the Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme (CNCDH) - Thibaut Bruttin , director general of Reporters sans frontières (RSF) - Anne Savinel-Barras , president of Amnesty International France - And the following editorial cartoonists: Chappatte (Suisse), Liza Donnelly (États-Unis), Kak (France), Kichka (Israël), Kroll (Belgique), Landschulz (Allemagne), Marie Morelle (France), Mykaïa (France), Piet (France), Plantu (France), Lars Refn (Danemark), Rodho (France), Sié (France), Truant (France), Urbs (France), Vadot (Belgique), Yas (France), Zohoré (Côte d’Ivoire) A tribute will be paid to cartoonists Ashraf Omar (Egypte) and Al-Hazza (Arabie Saoudite), who are currently in prison; Semyon Skrepetsky (Russie), who was murdered in June 2023; and Safaa Odah (Palestine), recipient of the Programme Pause and the Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award 2026. Cartooning for Peace will also place young people in the spotlight, celebrating their creativity, commitment, and voices! Live music by Korafoll’art. Finally, the evening will provide an opportunity to promote the publication of Cartooning for Peace’s new book Défendons la démocratie ! , published by Éditions de la Martinière.
Source: paris.fr — photo: Firuz Kutal (Norvège)