Controversy Over EU Commission Appointment
In January, the EU Commission appointed German MEP Markus Pieper as a small business envoy, leading to accusations of cronyism. Pieper, a member of the same political party as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, scored lower than other candidates for the position, sparking protests and calls for his hire to be rescinded. Ultimately, Pieper resigned before his first day of work, citing political interference.
Far-Right Conference in Brussels
A far-right nationalist gathering faced challenges in finding a venue in Brussels, with police intervention and legal disputes. Despite initial attempts to shut down the event, it was eventually allowed to proceed. Speakers like Viktor Orban and Nigel Farage viewed the incident as a suppression of free speech and a political maneuver against their ideologies.
Global Skepticism Towards Democracy
A recent survey by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance revealed growing skepticism towards democracy worldwide, fueled by factors like populism, polarization, and post-truth narratives. The study found a desire for “efficracy” – effective governance irrespective of democratic principles – in several countries, indicating a shift in public preferences.
Turmoil in Georgian Parliament
Georgia faced turmoil in its parliament as an opposition leader physically assaulted a government official during a debate on a controversial “foreign agents bill”. The bill, if passed, would require organizations receiving significant foreign funding to register as serving foreign interests, potentially impacting Georgia’s European Union aspirations. The incident highlighted the country’s struggle to uphold democratic norms amidst political tensions.
