• LAB
• 11:00
• @House of Ideas

From Romania’s shifting democracy rankings following the annulment of the presidential elections to broader global challenges, this introduction by our hosts, Vlad Adamescu and Răzvan Petri, explores why open debate and citizen-driven dialogue are more essential than ever in shaping the future of democracy—and what lies ahead. 

• lab
• 11:30
• @Office

Anti-system sentiments are on the rise—but where do they come from? In this interactive lab, the co-founders of Politicǎ La Minut explore the roots of political frustration and distrust, inviting participants to unpack their causes and discuss constructive ways forward.

• lab
• 11:30
• @House of ideas

What stories do we tell ourselves about democracy—and how do they shape the futures we’re heading toward? In this reflective and interactive session, Diana Stafie invites participants to explore the current state of democracy and go beyond the headlines, uncovering the deeper beliefs and metaphors that shape our collective future. More than a diagnosis of the present, this is a space to imagine—and begin to write—the narratives of the futures and democracies we truly want to live in.

• LAB
• 11:30
• @HOUSE OF IDEAS

While presidential candidates sidestep key topics, we open the floor to what truly matters. This Oxford-style debate invites you to engage with one of the most urgent economic questions shaping Romania’s future: should we protect local industries or embrace free trade? With expert voices, audience questions, and sharp arguments, this is democracy in action: informed, participatory, and anything but superficial.

• 13:00-14:00

• LAB
• 14:00-16:00
• @HOUSE OF IDEAS

Bring your own laptop – it’s required!  

What’s true, what’s misleading, and how can we tell the difference in a sea of information? In this hands-on workshop designed by Factual.ro, Romania’s first political fact-checking platform launched in 2014 — now a member of both the International Fact-Checking Network and European Fact-Checking Standards Network. 

You will step into the shoes of a fact-checker and work in teams to investigate real-life public statements. You’ll learn how to verify information using public data, identify common fallacies, and practice the logic and rigor behind trustworthy journalism. At the end, the verified materials you produce will be published — just like in a real editorial newsroom.

This lab works best when it’s full — so bring your curiosity, your laptop, and your critical thinking skills.

The event will be facilitated by Codruța Simina, a 41-year-old investigative journalist specialized in detecting online disinformation campaigns. Co-author of the Misreport newsletter and co-founder of Public Record, Simina brings 20 years of press experience to the marathon.

• @Secret Stage

What actions can we take beyond this gathering? This final session ties together our discussions and leaves us with a collective call to keep democracy in motion.

• lab
• 14:00–15:30
• @House of ideas
• Max: 20-25 people

How did we get here? This lab examines the rise of a new brand of political extremism, drawing parallels with the interwar period to uncover its root causes. What lessons can history teach us? What has changed, and how can we respond effectively today? Through discussion and analysis, participants will explore strategies to counter extremism in the present.

• lab
• 14:00–15:30
• @office
• Max: 20-25 people

In an era of deepening divides, how can we engage in meaningful dialogue with conspiracy theorists, radicalized individuals, and political adversaries? This lab explores strategies for dialogue and productive conversations in an increasingly polarized world.

• KIDS
• 11:00-13:00
• 14:00-16:00

What is democracy, really? If you ask a grown-up, the answer might sound like a textbook. But if you ask a child — the response might be surprisingly bold, honest, and imaginative.  

In this creative workshop, children will step into the role of changemakers. Through games, teamwork, and hands-on challenges, they’ll explore big questions like: 

What does “power to the people” actually mean?

What problems do they want to solve?

What would their version of democracy look like?

Guided, kids will build and share solutions to real-world questions in a way that feels fun, empowering, and totally their own. In the end, grown-ups might just learn something too.

• KIDS
• @green house

A 2-hour workshop by Expert Forum, part of the Unfinished Democracy program.
For young people aged 12–15  

What is a community? Why does it matter? And how can you play a role in making it better?

This interactive session is an introduction to Expert Forum’s Let’s talk about YOU(th) method, used in schools across the country. Through games, group discussions, and real-life scenarios, participants will explore what community means to them and why it matters, identify real issues affecting their daily lives, learn how public participation works — from petitions to public debates—and work together on creative, doable solutions.