Démocratie sous pression : dessiner pour résister

Democracy is not just about voting or institutions. It also relies on freedom of information, a plurality of viewpoints, the ability to debate, and the exercise of critical thinking. When the media is weakened, access to information is restricted, or freedom of expression is challenged, it is the very capacity of citizens to understand the world and act collectively that is threatened.

To mark its 20th anniversary and the publication of the book Défendons la démocratie ! by Éditions de la Martinière, Cartooning for Peace takes over the Théâtre de la Concorde for a major civic and festive evening dedicated to the democratic struggle. Faced with increasing pressure on the media, the spread of disinformation, and attacks on freedom of information observed in many parts of the world, this evening will invite reflection on contemporary democratic challenges and how to address them collectively. Press cartoons, both a barometer and a sentinel of democracy, will be the common thread of the discussions. Debates, meetings, and live drawing will punctuate this event, open to all, with the participation of numerous cartoonists from the Cartooning for Peace network. In an era marked by crises, tensions, and retrenchment, this evening aims to remind us that art, humour, and collective engagement remain powerful levers for defending fundamental freedoms, nurturing public debate, and re-energising democratic action.

Programme

The evening, sponsored by 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 the exceptional participation of:

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 press cartoonists:

Chappatte (Switzerland), Liza Donnelly (United States), Kak (France), Kichka (Israel), Kroll (Belgium), Landschulz (Germany), Marie Morelle (France), Mykaïa (France), Piet (France), Plantu (France), Lars Refn (Denmark), Rodh