Increasingly, public figures across Europe are twisting the meaning of “political activity” by claiming that NGOs overstep the mark when they campaign publicly for social or policy change: that they somehow encroach on territory reserved exclusively for political parties. According to a piece written by Cathal Gilbert from CIVICUS and Giada Negri from European Civic Forum, this is a deliberate attempt to reduce space for NGOs and all civil society groups whose primary purpose is to amplify the voices of their constituencies. It is also a clear strategy to shield governments from criticism by organized sections of society. Read more here.
Source: Diplomatic Courier