In political and public affairs analysis, the resurgence of the far right is often framed as a fractured viewpoint — an unforeseen force with the intent of sabotage that has emerged in response to the crisis at hand. Some would call it the cry for help, much like the replacement of a blunt bent blade… Continue reading The rise of the far right isn’t sudden — we just stopped paying attention
A reaction to being kettled and reflection on the authoritarian turn of the British state through policing It produces a horrible feeling. Animal instincts and feelings swell up as you are trapped in an enclosed space by other animals. They form a tight circle around you and slowly constrict that circle, coming closer to you,… Continue reading The kettle and the cage —rising authoritarianism in the UK
In recent years, Europe has started resembling a laboratory for testing and experimenting with democracy. Far-right parties are gaining ground on the continent like never before, and polls show that right-wing political ideas are becoming more and more popular in nations like Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Finland and Austria. Giorgia Meloni in Italy, Fidesz (the political… Continue reading Democracy under pressure — what Serbia reveals about Europe’s shrinking freedoms
Wherever you may look, whether it’s on social media, news networks or even within your local community, there seems to be an undeniable feeling of disdain and hatred, reflected by angry accusations, false news and far-right protests. Within a time of political uncertainty, where the UK’s recently elected Labour government already appears to be crumbling… Continue reading The capitalisation of hate within UK politics
Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has said that a Labour government would not raise taxes on wealth, capital gains or higher incomes. She does not, she said, see “the way to prosperity as being through taxation”. Britain is asset rich. National wealth — a mix of property, business, financial and state assets — stands at… Continue reading Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality
The recent elections in Georgia have stirred considerable unrest and debate, casting a long shadow over the nation’s democratic integrity. Amidst allegations of vote-rigging, widespread protests erupted, reflecting a populace increasingly disillusioned with its political leadership. The events unfolding in Georgia resonate beyond its borders, prompting reactions from European leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor… Continue reading The recent Georgian elections — protests, vote-rigging claims and implications for European politics
In the midst of a polarised and tense political landscape, Venezuela has once again become a focal point for international observers as its recent elections unfolded with high stakes and fervent expectations. The preliminary outcomes, though not yet fully confirmed, have already set the stage for significant political, social and economic repercussions in the country.… Continue reading Venezuela’s contentious election stirs hope and fear for the nation’s future
The UK has fallen down Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) after a year of high-profile government scandals. The CPI is not a measure of corruption itself but a measure of how much corruption is perceived to exist across a country’s public sector. For the UK government, already focusing very much on the next general… Continue reading UK slides in Corruption Perceptions Index after series of political scandals
A little over a year since leader of Fratelli d’Italia Georgia Meloni rose to power in Italy, the latest data spells out a clear message: she is not the only ultraright politician surfing on voters’ anxieties. In fact, we may be entering a new cycle of far-right extremism across the continent, with heavy stakes for… Continue reading From France to Italy, Hungary to Sweden, voting intentions track the far-right’s rise in Europe
Ahead of the European Parliament elections in June 2024, Germany has lowered the age limit on participation to 16. This makes it the largest of just a handful of states in the EU to allow people under the age of 18 to vote. Austria, Belgium and Malta have already enfranchised 16 and 17-year-olds, and Greece… Continue reading Germany lowers voting age to 16 for the European elections — but is it playing into the far right’s hands?
