Its obvious that eastern European countries have had their bellyful of communist ideology.
Ian Stewart
2 years ago
And long may it continue, as a challenging counterbalance of views to the EU establishment. The U.K. doesn’t need to be in the EU with these guys around.
janos.boris
2 years ago
A minor correction: the voice of today’s Jobbik party in Hungary is nowhere near the ultra-nationalist, xenophobic and anti-EU rhetoric of Viktor Orbán, thus to say that it is to the right of Orbán is dead wrong. True, its ultra-right past casts a long shadow and will keep the party suspect in the eyes of liberal democrats for a long time to come, but as a signatory to the agreement and Value Declaration of the Six-Party Opposition Coalition, it has taken a pro-democracy, pro-checks-and-balances and pro-EU line, and actually campaigns for the earliest possible introduction of the Euro to Hungary, something strongly opposed by the Orbán government. To depict itself as Centre Right is one of the typical propaganda lies of the Orbán government which, especially after its exit from the European People’s Party in the EP, is constantly seeking allies among the remaining ultra right politicians and neo-fascist parties of Europe.
Ultra-right, xenophobic, ultra-nationalist – they were the descriptions often used in the U.K. about those supporting Brexit. The Democrats use this type of language for Republicans too these days.
So I find it difficult to calibrate the views of people, including the writer, who use these labels.
Spot on! As a Yank,I find these labels baffling–make no sense to American eyes. But Ian’s point is excellent and reminds me of so-called “hate speech,” which seems to mean anything that anyone at any time might find offensive.
I am actually a big proponent of “hate speech.” It used to be called vigorous debate, engaging with, not cancelling or shouting down, people with whom one disagreed. At some point, it was considered a way of sharpening one’s thinking.
But since only one view is now acceptable, there is no reason to engage….
LCarey Rowland
2 years ago
In the land of Vaclav Havel, surely someone fully equipped to lead constructively will eventually rise to effective, centrist leadership.
Charles Mimoun
2 years ago
Interestingly, for many, when a populist loses an election it is a “significant defeat for populism” – in other words, the beginning of the end of this wicked intolerant conception of politics. Funny how they take their dreams for reality.
Its obvious that eastern European countries have had their bellyful of communist ideology.
And long may it continue, as a challenging counterbalance of views to the EU establishment. The U.K. doesn’t need to be in the EU with these guys around.
A minor correction: the voice of today’s Jobbik party in Hungary is nowhere near the ultra-nationalist, xenophobic and anti-EU rhetoric of Viktor Orbán, thus to say that it is to the right of Orbán is dead wrong. True, its ultra-right past casts a long shadow and will keep the party suspect in the eyes of liberal democrats for a long time to come, but as a signatory to the agreement and Value Declaration of the Six-Party Opposition Coalition, it has taken a pro-democracy, pro-checks-and-balances and pro-EU line, and actually campaigns for the earliest possible introduction of the Euro to Hungary, something strongly opposed by the Orbán government. To depict itself as Centre Right is one of the typical propaganda lies of the Orbán government which, especially after its exit from the European People’s Party in the EP, is constantly seeking allies among the remaining ultra right politicians and neo-fascist parties of Europe.
Ultra-right, xenophobic, ultra-nationalist – they were the descriptions often used in the U.K. about those supporting Brexit. The Democrats use this type of language for Republicans too these days.
So I find it difficult to calibrate the views of people, including the writer, who use these labels.
Spot on! As a Yank,I find these labels baffling–make no sense to American eyes. But Ian’s point is excellent and reminds me of so-called “hate speech,” which seems to mean anything that anyone at any time might find offensive.
I am actually a big proponent of “hate speech.” It used to be called vigorous debate, engaging with, not cancelling or shouting down, people with whom one disagreed. At some point, it was considered a way of sharpening one’s thinking.
But since only one view is now acceptable, there is no reason to engage….
In the land of Vaclav Havel, surely someone fully equipped to lead constructively will eventually rise to effective, centrist leadership.
Interestingly, for many, when a populist loses an election it is a “significant defeat for populism” – in other words, the beginning of the end of this wicked intolerant conception of politics. Funny how they take their dreams for reality.