Mobilization against gender violence. Montevideo, June 2015. Hugo Ortuño/Demotix. All rights reserved.

Dear Reader,

As 2015 comes to an end, I wanted to express my gratitude to the enduring support DemocraciaAbierta has been receiving since it first published an article, back in late June. The quality of our analysis, ideas and debates has only been possible thanks to the loyalty of people like you.

 All along these first six months of existence, DemocraciaAbierta has published more than 150 articles, always in Spanish and English, and a significant number in Portuguese as well. Beyond Southern Europe, we covered the entire American hemisphere and currently we count on an active readership in each and every country.

True to our vocation to integrate the outstanding diversity and plurality of Latin-American and European voices, we have published pieces from many prestigious authors, academics and acting politicians as well as from newly graduated students, social activists and members of different minorities, including those from the indigenous communities.

Across the continent, during the past few months we have witnessed a number of crisis, transformations and significant political developments that will certainly shape the future. Yet, the young Latin-American democracies have proved to be resilient, vibrant and powerful. They showed a remarkable capacity of mobilization, participation and political sway needed to secure social gains and to move forward in the defence of policy innovation, social inclusion and more and better democracy.  

The challenges ahead are profound and worrisome, but from DemocraciaAbierta we have witnessed a nascent Latin-American public space where thinking, debating, defending rights and advancing ideas is already possible. Events in Southern Europe are bringing examples of democratic innovation and political regeneration, whilst also showing resistances and gridlocks. All this deserves our joint reflection.

We ignore what 2016 will bring about, but we want DemocraciaAbierta to become a helpful tool to engage in global debates and critical thinking, challenging assumptions about our democracies. To contribute to their strengthening and compel into the future is our mission. We count on you all.

Warm regards, and a happy new year

Francesc Badia i Dalmases

Editor, DemocraciaAbierta