Workshop – “(Crisis of) Democracy and the Judicial Power: A Franco-German Perspective
At a time when democratic institutions face increasing criticism, the role of the judiciary is more crucial than ever. Is it a safeguard against authoritarian tendencies, or has it become a target of political strategies seeking to undermine its legitimacy?
As part of Forthem Democracy Week 2026, Nathalie Le Bouëdec, Théo Aiolfi, and Agnès Barrot (Université Bourgogne Europe) invite participants to a 90‑minute interactive workshop exploring recent developments in France and Germany. Together, they will examine attacks on judges and the rule of law, the populist narratives that accompany them, and the broader tensions surrounding the legitimacy of judicial power in contemporary democracies.
Understanding Today’s Challenges to the Rule of Law
The workshop will offer tools to analyze:
- contemporary attacks on judicial institutions in France and Germany;
- populist rhetoric challenging the legitimacy of courts and judges;
- the judiciary’s role in maintaining democratic norms;
- the pressures facing the rule of law in an era of political polarization.
Through case studies, discussions, and collaborative exchanges, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these tensions shape democratic life in Europe today.
Practical Information
📅 30 April 2026
⏰ 12:30–14:00
📍 Maison de Rhénanie-Palatinat, Dijon
💻 Hybrid format: in person or online via Teams
🗣️ Language: French
Speakers
- Nathalie Le Bouëdec, Professor of German Studies at Université Bourgogne Europe, specializing in the history of German democracy and judicial institutions.
- Théo Aiolfi, Associate Professor at Université Bourgogne Europe, specializing in identity-based discourses, populism, and far-right politics.