First seminar of this year’s programme of the Academy for Political Development, entitled „The Citizen, Society and Politics in a Modern Democracy“, took place in Opatija from 17 to 19 March 2006. Topics of the seminar included contemporary politics, political ideologies through history, political parties and their activities, and the role of the civil society in liberal-democratic political system.

The seminar was opened by Branislav Bibić, Director of the Academy, followed by Francois Friedrich from the Council of Europe. The opening speech focused on the activities of the Academy, followed by the introduction of the participants.

Professor Gvozden Flego from the Faculty of Philosophy started the working session with a lecture about the traditional political ideologies. Davor Gjenero, political analyst, continued with introduction to the theory of political institutions and political parties.
Igor Kolman facilitated the workshop „Political parties and their programmes“, while the rest of the programme, entitled „Citizen and the politics“ continued with a lecture on civil society in a process of democratic transition, held by Cvjetana Plavša-Matić, the Director of the National Foundation for Civil Society Development. Damir Jurić gave his comments on the lecture.

Last day of the seminar saw a panel discussion about political activities with two former vice presidents of the Croatian Government, Slavko Linić and professor Ante Simonić. Their lectures inspired participants for a dynamic and open discussion.