This edition of State of the Union highlights three key issues that have fueled anger among citizens toward the establishment in the EU and beyond. These issues include possible nepotism in the EU Commission, the infringement of free speech, and Georgia’s controversial “foreign agent” bill. The appointment of German Christian Democrat MEP Markus Pieper for a new position as a small business envoy drew criticism due to accusations of cronyism, as he scored worse than other candidates for the position. The recruitment process led to backlash from fellow Commissioners, the European Parliament, and ultimately, Pieper’s resignation amidst accusations of party politics influencing the situation.
Far-right nationalist gatherings faced challenges in finding a venue in Brussels, with police shutting down the event initially, only for the highest Court in the Belgian capital to allow it to take place the following day. Speakers such as Viktor Orban and Nigel Farage saw this as an attack on legally held opinions in a global media spotlight. Both the Pieper affair and the controversy surrounding the nationalist gathering are seen as power plays by the establishment, leading to perceptions of possible nepotism and an infringement of free speech, further solidifying the idea that the existing democratic system is flawed.
Research has shown a growing number of citizens worldwide expressing disillusionment with democracy, particularly elections. Kevin Casas-Zamora from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance highlighted the impact of populism, polarization, and post-truth narratives on public distrust in elections. Moreover, there is a desire for strong and undemocratic leadership, known as “efficracy,” in several countries, posing a significant concern for democratic governance. Casas-Zamora emphasized the importance of reducing polarization levels and finding common ground to address growing skepticism within populations.
Georgia, a country torn between a sometimes Kremlin-friendly government and a pro-European opposition, has been embroiled in controversy over a proposed “foreign agents bill.” The bill, which requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from outside Georgia to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power,” has faced fierce opposition and protests. A recent parliamentary debate on the bill resulted in chaos, including an opposition leader physically assaulting a senior government member. If enacted, the bill could complicate Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union, potentially indicating ulterior motives behind its introduction.
Overall, these issues underscore a broader trend of distrust in democratic institutions, with concerns about nepotism, free speech, and growing support for undemocratic leadership styles. Addressing these challenges requires reducing polarization, finding common ground, and improving the quality of public services to rebuild trust in democracy and democratic governance. As countries grapple with these issues, the path forward involves navigating complex political landscapes and fostering inclusive dialogue to bolster democratic principles and institutions.
