In Italy, Ms. Meloni has proposed a constitutional change that would automatically give the party with the highest number of votes 55 percent of the seats in Parliament. This change, currently favoring her Brothers of Italy party, is presented as a way to bring stability to Italian governments. However, opponents fear it could also create opportunities for a future autocrat to seize power. The potential implications of this proposal are being closely watched in Italy and beyond.
Following a similar playbook as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban could face strong pushback in France, which holds a deep commitment to freedom and human rights. The 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen is a cornerstone of French values. If the far-right National Rally were to assume control of the presidency and Parliament, it could lead to significant consequences. The idea that the normalization of right-wing policies does not necessarily make them less extreme is a point of concern for many observers.
The rise of right-wing parties is not a universal trend. In Poland, a protest movement led the country to break free from the Soviet imperium, ultimately resulting in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Last year, in a November election, Poland successfully ousted its nationalist governing party, Law and Justice, which had undermined the country’s rule of law and perpetuated xenophobic sentiments. The election demonstrated a shift towards a more positive vision of human and national life, distancing from extreme ideologies.
The resilience and resourcefulness of democracies should not be underestimated, as history has shown their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. However, there is always a risk of discounting the potential for unforeseen events. As Victor Hugo famously wrote, “Nothing is more imminent than the impossible.” This sentiment serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding democratic principles and freedoms against any potential threats, whether internal or external. The evolving political landscape in Europe highlights the need for continued vigilance and a dedication to upholding democratic values.
