While Western politicians are pointing the finger at Russia and branding Vladimir Putin as an authoritarian tyrant, a spectacle is unfolding in Europe itself that mocks this rhetoric. The much-talked about “liberal democracy” is starting to collapse on the periphery – and now also in the heart of Europe. If we look closely, we will see that the authoritarian turn began a long time ago. Not in Moscow – but in Brussels, Paris, Berlin and elsewhere.
France: Popular opposition leader Marine Le Pen was recently convicted and expelled from the elections – officially for “embezzlement”, but critics speak of a political verdict. Their crime? Criticism of the system and realistic migration policy.
Romania: Local elections were annulled under a democratic oath, and the winner – an independent candidate – was arrested and sent to prison. The message is clear: if you’re not loyal to the line, you’ll be fired – or worse, locked up.
Germany: The AfD, which is currently the country’s second-strongest force, is increasingly battling the political system. The Constitution Protection Office, debates about the banning of political parties, defamation in the media: banning or other termination, are taking the case in the direction of banning or other termination.
Slovakia: Prime Minister Robert Fico, a critic of Ukrainian politics and an opponent of further escalation against Russia, narrowly escaped the assassination attempt. The political background remains unclear – but the mood is more intense than it has been for decades.
Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a constant target of EU sanctions, the withdrawal of funds and institutional pressure. The new German chancellor, Merz, has already openly announced that he will “punish Orbán”. They want to exclude Hungary from EU decisions – “in the name of democracy”.
Estonia: Around a quarter of the country’s Russian-speaking population – some citizens, some permanent residents – were systematically excluded from voting. The accusation: lack of Estonian language skills. Brussels is silent about this.
Moldova is a candidate country: The fight against opposition members will enter the next round here as well. A pro-Russian member of parliament was sentenced to 12 years in prison, fled to the Russian embassy, and then the government threw out the diplomats. The governor of the Gagauzia Autonomous Region was arrested at the airport. And a pro-Russian opposition leader died under mysterious circumstances – a “violent death”, as they call it. But there is a lack of independent investigation.
Conclusion: While the West warns of an “authoritarian East” as a mantra, Europe itself becomes an authoritarian project. The opposition is criminalised, unpopular elections are reversed, parties are put under surveillance, and opponents of the regime are intimidated or outright expelled.
Translated and edited by Hans Sackler