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Slovak 2023 elections: political economy of hope

Robert Fico, leader of the PES-affiliated party Smer-SD, won the elections in Slovakia. For Social Democrats and Progressives, it is bad news. Once back in power, Fico may want to appear nicer, but he offers an old blend of oligarchic power veiled in social-nationalist populism. So, where do we invest our hopes?  There’s a saying […]

Slovakia: none of the potential future coalition governments is a full win solution

The former conservative-liberal coalition government that was voted to power in February 2020 and initially benefitted from a constitutional majority, but finally lost power by a non-confidence vote in the Parliament at the end of 2022, paved the way for the election results in the early election in September 2023. The governments of Prime Ministers […]

Winners cannot be losers: the uncertain outcomes of the Spanish general elections

As the election night unfolded in Spain, it became clear that the conservative PP would not have an easy go at forming a government while the left-wing block, led by the Socialists (PSOE), might be able to do so. Nevertheless, both sides claimed victory and called upon the other to admit defeat. But: who really, […]

Saving Europe’s social momentum

One year from now, European politics will be on the home straight to the elections for the European Parliament. Much of the time between now and then will be spent building election programmes and strategies. For the Socialist family, it is obvious to build all these around social questions. In principle, this should be easy, […]

Christian Democracy’s crisis is bad for everyone – including the left

Europe’s leading Christian Democratic parties are currently facing a major crisis as they lack principled leadership and programmatic vision. A major risk is that they respond to this crisis by emulating authoritarian political projects. Christian Democratic parties have historically been among the most important political forces in western Europe. Parties such as the German CDU, […]

How Fidesz undermines Hungarian support for the EU

Despite high support for EU membership in Hungary, over a decade of Eurosceptic rhetoric by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has had a lasting impact on voters’ attitudes. In the coming years, negative campaigns against the EU may become even more prevalent in Hungarian politics. Various aspects of the relationship between the Hungarian government […]

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