#EU populism

[latestnews-now]

Romanian ultranationalist George Simion is making waves as he aims to become Europe’s next hard-right leader. Inspired by Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump, Simion promises to reform the EU while defying rules that harm Romania. Learn how his rise could reshape Europe’s political future.

[mapsontheweb]

Population Density of EU countries

by u/AndreEgeli

[lnsfawwi]

Heroism in TFATWS

Let's establish one thing which is that the show operates in a superhero trope, which means there are good guys and bad guys, and the good guys always win. This is not to say that characters are morally clean-cut between good/bad. The Flag Smashers acted out of good intentions; Walker did want to do good things when he took over the mantle. But that doesn't mean they aren't the bad guys in the story, because a person is not only judged by their intentions but also the means and the ends of those intentions.

Sam and Bucky are the heroes in the story, they beat the bad guys (the Flag Smashers) and saved the world. That's how the story ends. That's how all the superhero stories end.

But the show isn't quite that simple, not in the sense that it deals with moral greys, no. Rather, the show really fucks up the boundaries between good/bad, right/wrong, and by extension, the heroism of the show.

Let's say Karli has some vague cosmopolitan worldview, and let's say that's better than the state system so Sam is justified to sympathize with her cause, and sam is rightfully asking the governments to be better. What's the actual, feasible way to achieve Karli's vision? Nice speeches notwithstanding, Sam isn't offering a solution. States aren't going to abandon the system that made them a state just because some hero dressed in an American flag descends from the sky and tells them to. Forced displacement and/or re-settlement happen because the population distribution is screwed, especially in Western Europe where Karli is from. Those states simply do not have the capacity, spatially and financially, to accommodate all the people while the others would be faced with devastating labour shortages. Statecraft is not just about morals, some IR scholars would even argue it's never about morals, you have to do the rationalist calculation. (also sam's speech to the politicians is so.........wrong. it sounds like a 16-year-old wanna-be socialist who spends too much time on leftist tiktok)

Here's the thing, you can agree with the political ideology or not, because it's not about whether it's right or wrong. It's about Sam being a hero who comes from a heavy political background, who represents a set of values that is meant to transcend a single country, advocating that ideology whilst being completely naive about it.

Steve embodies a similar idealism that makes him a hero, but not a leader. He's a leader because he can lead, he assesses the situation, sets a goal, and gives out tasks to achieve that goal. In the show, Sam is not demonstrating effective leadership, although not entirely his fault.

When you have the 'hero' indiscriminatorily endorsing the villain's philosophy, it doesn't mean the hero is empathetic, it means the hero is fucking bullshit. What makes a hero isn't merely stopping bad guys, it's also offering a better alternative even when the villain kinda makes sense. Superheroes are supposed to offer moral lessons through their heroism, which often takes place as they defeat evil. Without that, they're just dudes stopping fights, not heroes fighting for causes. The only moral lesson Sam offers is 'hey maybe radicalization is bad', which is completely ignored by both Karli and Zemo.

Sam's sympathy towards Karli is even more absurd. Even if he agrees with her cause, she's an unrepentant killer. 'Don't call them terrorists.' really, Sam? What would you call them? Just bc the Soviets fought the N@zis doesn't mean they were the good guys.

Furthermore, we see the contrast between her and the other flag smashers. They were invisible victims while her body was gently carried by Sam as phones and cameras were recording. In a show where they tried to make sense of racism, the stark contrast between Karli and the rest of the group happens to be mostly PoC is kinda hilarious.

The problem isn't Sam. It's the terrible horrible writing. You can't take a Watsonian take when it's so obviously a Doylist problem. The show claims to be a lot of things it got wrong is just pathetic.

What about Bucky? His arc is pretty detached from the main storyline and he basically did nothing significant in the show so I don't even know what they want to convey about his heroism. He was literally just running around punching people (not even very good at it too) while being blamed for things he wasn't responsible for. He only told Karli that killing was bad. What a novel lesson. Again, there is nothing from the good guy.

Who is the hero then?

Zemo is the true anti-hero of the show. Throughout the show, Sam and Bucky - the good guys - oppose killing in general, but their method is proven ineffectual and in the end, all Flag Smashers are killed with a majority of them killed after they were lawfully arrested. The Flag Smashers were terrorists, they were the villains, therefore narratively, this makes Zemo's end goal - killing all supersoldiers, in this case, the Flag Smashers - right. His ideology - the desire to become superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideas; supersoldiers cannot be allowed to exist - is positively reflected in the story. His success inevitably justifies his ideology, which stands in contrast to both Sam and Karli. I'm not saying what he did was heroic, but from a storytelling perspective, Zemo is the 'hero' who ultimately eliminated the evil in this superhero trope.

The result is that Sam, the supposed hero of the show, has done nothing. He didn't stop the bad guys, he didn't offer an effective alternative to Karli (or Zemo) practically and ideologically, while Zemo did all that. What does it say about heroism and the idealism that comes with it? That it's nice to talk about but useless when a real battle takes place? That end does justify means? Because that's not what Cap trilogy conveys.

[r3dblccd]

Not gonna lie, I'm pretty scared for the future now that those in power in my country have passed an anti-LGBT "propaganda" bill in schools and our president supported it

[tmarshconnors]

Macron Calls Snap Election 2024

The political landscape of Europe has been rocked by a seismic shift as French President Emmanuel Macron calls for snap elections. This move comes amid a significant surge in support for far-right parties, particularly Marine Le Pen's National Rally, which has made historic gains in the recent European elections. Macron's decision underscores a palpable sense of urgency and perhaps even nervousness within the centrist camp, as the far-right momentum shows no signs of abating.

A Nervous Macron

Emmanuel Macron, who swept into power in 2017 with promises of reform and rejuvenation for France, now finds himself in a precarious position. The rise of far-right sentiment across Europe, and particularly in France, has posed a direct challenge to his presidency. The recent European elections highlighted this shift, with Marine Le Pen's National Rally securing a significant share of the vote, reflecting widespread discontent with Macron's policies.

The decision to call snap elections can be seen as a strategic move by Macron to consolidate his position and rally his base. However, it also reveals a recognition of the growing power and influence of the far-right, an influence that can no longer be ignored or underestimated.

The Surge of the Far-Right

Marine Le Pen's National Rally has capitalised on a variety of issues that resonate deeply with many French citizens. Concerns about immigration, national identity, and economic stability have all played into the hands of the far-right. Le Pen's party, with its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, has struck a chord with voters who feel left behind by globalisation and disillusioned by the traditional political elite. It's important to clarify that the term "far right" does NOT automatically equate to being a Nazism. The far right encompasses a broad spectrum of ideologies, ranging from conservative to extreme nationalist positions.

The recent European elections were a testament to this growing support. The National Rally's historic gains are not just a reflection of discontent with Macron but also a broader trend across Europe, where far-right parties are gaining traction. Countries like Italy, Germany, and Spain are witnessing similar surges, indicating a continental shift towards right-wing populism. I wish here in my own country the United Kingdom we had such a surge of wisdom. 

The Immigration Debate

One of the most contentious issues fuelling the rise of the far-right in France is immigration. Macron's policies have been criticised by many as being too lenient, leading to perceptions of increased crime and social unrest. This narrative has been effectively leveraged by Le Pen and her party to galvanise support. They argue that Macron's government has failed to protect French identity and values, allowing immigrants to "run rampant" across the country.

This rhetoric has found a receptive audience, particularly in regions hit hardest by economic stagnation and social change. The fear and frustration of these communities have translated into votes for the National Rally, further eroding Macron's support base.

The Road Ahead

As France heads towards snap elections, the stakes could not be higher. Macron faces the daunting task of reclaiming the trust of a divided nation while countering the growing influence of the far-right. His ability to address the concerns of ordinary French citizens, particularly around issues of immigration and national identity, will be crucial.

Marine Le Pen and the National Rally will continue to push their agenda, buoyed by their recent successes. The upcoming elections will serve as a critical juncture for France, determining whether the country will continue on its current path or take a decisive turn towards the right.

The call for snap elections by Emmanuel Macron is a clear indicator of the shifting political dynamics in France and Europe. The rise of the far-right, driven by issues like immigration and national identity, presents a formidable challenge to the established political order.

As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on France to see how this pivotal moment unfolds. I’m throwing my full support behind Marine Le Pen in the 2024 French election. Her vision for national sovereignty, stricter immigration policies, and economic reform is what France needs for a stronger future.

[tunneldweller]

[image description: "you just die #fear is the mind killer, boomers have... a lot of fear #a lot of fear and hurt that they don't examine or know how to examine and it bleeds through #something something 'it all traces back to trauma' #it... we talk about this a lot" end ID]

I mean, we knew, but it's nice to hear so succinctly

[a-typical]

Disillusionment with established parties provides fertile ground for radical right parties to exploit.

While centrist politicians may feel compelled to adopt anti-immigrant stances in response, copying the rhetoric of radical right parties risks alienating their base.

But once in office, and without clear solutions to the local economic and quality-of-life declines that emigration has set in motion, party officials will likely face the same voter discontent fueling their current success.

Ironically, the forces that have increased the appeal of the far right’s anti-immigrant ideologies – falling birth rates, labor shortages and a lack of new businesses and services – are most feasibly addressed by increasing immigration.

By following the right’s lead to tighten borders, parties closer to the center may condemn industrialized nations to a political doom loop.

Instead, centrist parties may find it pays more dividends to focus attention on addressing the root causes.

[head-post]

Italy’s Deputy PM Salvini faces prison in migration trial

Italian prosecutors requested a six-year prison term for League leader Matteo Salvini for his decision to prevent more than 100 migrants from landing in Italy when he was interior minister in 2019, according to AP News.

Salvini could be suspended from the government if convicted.

Prosecutors in the city of Palermo charged Salvini, deputy prime minister and transport minister in Giorgia Meloni’s government, with alleged kidnapping. The migrant rescue ship, run by the charity Open Arms, was stuck at sea for 19 days.

During the standoff in 2019, some migrants threw themselves overboard in desperation as the captain pleaded for a safe and close port. The 89 people remaining on board were eventually allowed to disembark on the Lampedusa by court order.

Salvini stated on Saturday:

I would do it all again: defending borders from illegal immigrants is not a crime.

The guilty verdict, which in Italy is final only at the end of a three-stage trial, could bar Salvini from holding public office. However, Meloni and several ministers of her government expressed solidarity with the League leader, defending his decisions.

“It is incredible that a minister of the Italian Republic risks six years in prison for doing his job defending the nation’s borders, as required by the mandate received from its citizens.”

Salvini took a hard line on migration during his tenure as interior minister in Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s first government from 2018-2019. Conte is now actively criticising Meloni on X for the current administration’s controversial policies.

If for months mortgages have skyrocketed, families have gone into crisis and banks have collected extra and record profits on this crisis, then it is right to ask the banks for a contribution to support the many citizens who have gone into suffering. (…) Despite the announcements, the Meloni Government did not have the strength and courage to approve this measure: instead of a tax on banks, they increased taxes on diapers for the few who still have children in Italy.

Read more HERE

[mapsontheweb]

Predicted population of European Union countries in 2050.

by dalmatian.mapper

[possil]

A DIFFERENT CONSERVATISM

The right has made significant gains in the European elections. Sorry, I must correct that: according to our media the ‘far right’ and the ‘hard right’, even sometimes the ‘neo-fascist right’, has made significant gains in the European elections. Marine Le Pen.s National Rally the big winner in Euopean elections It is important for the establishment media to keep the dependent masses afraid of…

[imaginary-wanderer]

You know what housing crisis + low salary means? It means there's only 250 renting offers in my price range (and half that number if I strictly look into the real price range) right now in the entire country. If I could pay only 200 euros/month more, there would be more than 1000 offers.

[kirsctein]

voting has been made SO EASY in my country for reals. like you literally get a letter in the mail telling you that you have the right to vote in the elections (most recently the EU elections that are in two weeks). the letter tells you when the election day is and when the early voting takes place. hell, it even tells you WHERE you need to go to vote; the letter tells your primary voting location for the election day (which is the one you need to use on that day) but there is also a pamphlet that lists ALL early voting stations in your region (my town has 24 and the early voting lasts for 7 days) and you can go to any of those.

one of the perks of having a national population registry :)

[lenskij]

Campaign posters with messages like "I hate the EU! The EU sucks! Vote for me in the EU parliament elections!" do not inspire confidence lmao

Today I saw a different poster with the slogan "Boundaries (borders) and Freedom!" like ma'am that's contraditctory.

[jcmarchi]

EU to Start Ukraine Membership Talks - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/eu-to-start-ukraine-membership-talks-technology-org/

EU to Start Ukraine Membership Talks - Technology Org

In a surprising turn, European Union leaders granted approval on Thursday to initiate membership talks with Ukraine.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Image credit: Glib Albovsky via Unsplash, free license

This decision was made in an effort to overcome Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s weeks-long pledge to block the process.

Such an unconventional method of approval, especially for a significant decision, is unprecedented in Brussels, even for a diplomatic arena known for its creativity in striking deals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his appreciation for the decision, characterizing it as a victory for Ukraine and all of Europe.

“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens,” he said.

Ukraine is in dire need of support from its Western allies in its nearly two-year struggle against Russia’s invasion. Despite the failure of its counter-offensive to achieve significant progress, the Biden administration has faced challenges in securing approval for a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine from the U.S. Congress.

Ursula von der Leyen, the chief of the European Commission, emphasized that the decision to open membership talks with Ukraine was “a strategic decision and a day that will remain engraved in the history of our Union.”

The negotiations themselves are expected to span several years. Ukraine, with a population of 44 million and a geographical size surpassing any existing EU member, poses unique challenges for entry into the 27-member bloc.

Written by Alius Noreika

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[edsonjnovaes]

Universo 25 1.2

https://www.facebook.com/groups/364044698192168/permalink/1015484739714824/?mibextid=Nif5oz É uma das experiências mais assustadoras da história da ciência, que, através do comportamento de uma colônia de ratos, é uma tentativa dos cientistas de explicar as sociedades humanas. Calhoun, J. B. (1973). ′′ Death squared: The explosive grow and deise of a mouse population “. Proceedings of the Royal…

[alpha-mag-media]

Inside drastic shake-up to Irish life over 50 years in EU – €9k house prices, top baby names, 5p milk & population hike | In Trend Today

Inside drastic shake-up to Irish life over 50 years in EU – €9k house prices, top baby names, 5p milk & population hike Read Full Text or Full Article on MAG NEWS