Abstract
The article reveals the interaction of democracy and legitimacy based on the democratic paradox concept, discusses the state of democracy after Lithuania’s accession to the EU. It analyzes different dimensions of democratic legitimacy (valuable as well as procedural, constitutional, substantial – performance, international) and various types of expression. Paradox of democracy – justification the strength of democracy foundation explaining the demand of the democracy’s critical self-reflection and legitimation. After 2004 critical evaluations of quality established consolidated liberal democracy in the public space and in the academic discourse, crisis of confidence, a stable high figures dissatisfied with the way democracy works, and supporting a “strong hand” governance show the crisp internal dimensions of legitimacy. The formal-procedural legitimacy of democracy (regular competitive elections, the opposition effect) doesn’t guarantee democratic governance effectiveness and doesn’t provide to democracy the substantial-performance legitimacy. KEY WORDS: democracy, legitimacy, paradox of democracy, consolidated democracy, erosion of confidence.
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