Today, Russians are voting in an event cynically dubbed an “election.” However, this is just a simple charade. The man who has clung to power for more than two decades, Vladimir Putin, has no real challengers. Democracy in Russia has been eroded from within, its institutions gutted and its voice silenced. This is not an isolated case; it is a frightening echo that resonates throughout the world, as the decline of freedoms is a rising tide.
Europe faces its own existential threat.
Europe faces its own existential threat. The populist wave, which has eroded democracies elsewhere, is sweeping through the heart of the European Union. The far right, with its divisive rhetoric and xenophobic agendas, poses a real threat to the fragile unity of the Union. The values that underpin the EU – human rights, the rule of law, cooperation – are under attack.
We are under attack
It’s not an accident. We are under attack. We are engaged in a silent cyberwar, a relentless campaign to disrupt our governments, disrupt public discourse, and sow discord. Trolls and bots infiltrate our social media, spreading misinformation and manipulating narratives. Hospitals, transportation networks and the very infrastructure of our digital lives are under constant attack. This cyberwar requires vigilance, robust cybersecurity measures and digitally aware citizens.
We cannot afford to be complacent. The hard-won gains of the past seventy years – peace, prosperity and a rules-based international order – are under threat. These achievements were not built by chance; they were the result of tireless work, compromise and collaboration. They were the product of a shared vision of a better future, and we must defend them in our European Parliament elections in June.
The European Elections of 2024
We need to inspire confidence, articulate a compelling vision for the future, and bridge the divides that threaten to tear our societies apart. The cynicism and scapegoating tactics of the far right offer no way forward.
We, Luxembourgers, Europeans, democrats, must actively participate in the democratic process – recognizing that the future of democracy is not a spectator sport – it requires each of us.
The stakes in 2024 are high. The choices we make today will determine the world for generations to come.
Will we succumb to the siren song of autocracy, with its promises of stability based on repression and fear? Or will we rise to the challenge, reaffirming our commitment to the principles that have guided humanity toward a fairer and more prosperous world?
The answer lies with each of us.
Candidate for Member of the European Parliament with the DP – Demokratesch Partei
Christos Floros 