Christos Floros

Blog

  • Who wants to lead?

    Who wants to lead?

    Hello,

    The elections are over.

    But those of us who are engaged in politics know that elections are never over.

    That democracy is not a periodic appointment, but a constant, passionate, selfless and demanding engagement. Because democracy is simply the electoral system that allows participatory selection of leadership, but leadership is required throughout.

    I will continue to do my best, to contribute to our young country’s and our Union’s present and future, and to offer you reasons to participate and get engaged yourselves. My engagement did not begin a month ago, and will certainly not seize now.

    I’m grateful and thankful to all those who supported our effort, and I’m convinced that with your engagement, our generation will finally be able to take its future in its own hands.

    State of Affairs, Technology and Misinformation

    The situation in Europe worries me, and should worry us all. Whilst we enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the world, we have become complacent and susceptible to those who seek to divide us, and exploit our weaknesses.

    The extremes are polarising us, by amplifying our fears and using each other to drive us further apart. The moderate political centre, from socialists to conservatives, is being pulled further and further apart. Moderation, consensus, policies by and for all, are out — those who shout louder want increasingly, entirely different things.

    This is happening across Europe and across most Western liberal democracies. It’s not the first time our societies reach such a breaking point, however I still hope this time around we’ll be able to handle these situations more efficiently. After all, we’ve never had as much technology, never had the power to communicate as instantly, and never been as enabled to be informed and rally against a common cause (and unfortunately, empowered by the same technology to be misinformed and divided).

    Western leadership is dwindling, and that worries me for the world’s stability. Just look at who’s in Borgo Egnazia for the G7 today. Those who are dividing us internally, those politicians and the politics of division and finger pointing, those who claim to want to sustain every part of the system that supports us, whilst breaking and changing every part of it: they simply can’t. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Only moderates get that. And we’ve done a terrible job of communicating this.

    The Lack of Meaningful Debate

    Which brings me back to our elections. Where was the debate? Personally, if it weren’t for my own social media and online presence, which I maintained alone, I would have reached zero people. Unfortunately, I had zero media engagements. But even those who did. Was there debate? Was there real discussion about the big issues facing our continent today? Were there actual debates? I’d argue I only saw shows, but no debate. Talking points being communicated, but no exchange. And I refuse to believe that our public does not desire it. We saw very limited exchanges, heavily moderated exchanges. 

    Did we discuss the urgent questions surrounding our environmental impact on the world? Did we discuss any of the crucial debates happening worldwide around our access to resources? Specifically, plans to continue to press on with deep sea mining? Did we discuss the scopes and limitations of the European Union vis a vis our engagement and influence in Israel and Gaza, in Ukraine, in Russia, in China and Taiwan, in Africa? Did we discuss immigration beyond the talking points presented by political parties (with facts and expertise?); did we discuss the resurgence of religious political influence throughout Europe? Did we discuss voting participation in Luxembourg, and what it means that so many of our EU compatriots chose to vote in Luxembourg? And how about showing an interest in all candidates? Political parties do not define us, nor do they define our ideas; it is we, the party members, who define our parties — and by not allowing all of us some minimum visibility, you are not accurately representing either the process, ourselves, or the public’s options. I was asked not to criticise the press during the campaign, but I hope this is seen at least now, not as negative criticism, but positive feedback and criticism to improve. Because we desperately need the press today, we desperately need the media to contribute to our democracy.

    “My advice to the press is to remember that you’re an important part of government and democracy, and act like it.” Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont

    “The backbone of any democracy is an independent, professional and responsible media. Their role is to inform, criticise and stimulate debate.” Peter Joseph Millett CMG, British Diplomat

    “The media today is driven by numbers. If you get a congressman idiotic enough to take pictures of himself and tweet them out, that gets 600 times more coverage than the dangers of an Iranian nuclear weapon.” Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House (USA)

    If we want to restore our ability to decide together, based evidence and not ideology, if we want to enable ourselves to live and co-exist and decide together, we need to enable an environment that rewards stepping up to offer yourself for leadership, an environment where ideas and exchange of facts and perspectives is not only permitted, certainly not thwarted, but supported. We need the press to step up, and play a role in mediating and flourishing our democratic debate, or it will be entirely ignored, for the much more efficient, direct, and entire uncensored social media, where extremist, flashy, unfounded claims attract, maintain, and grow the voting base of those who offer very little substance, but a very good show.

    The world needs leadership, Europe needs leadership, Luxembourg needs leadership — and we need my generation, your generation, the generation after us, to be inspired and convinced, that the herculean task of putting yourself up for public leadership positions, is worthwhile and not simply toxic and thankless (even if it’s certainly the latter).

    (By the way, if some of you are thinking of our climate and ability to protect our natural habitat while reading this, well done! Without clear leadership, we will be en route to destroy the very ecosystem that sustains all of us)

    I sincerely hope that over the next 5 years, I can convince more of you to get involved, and get engaged in our shared decision making.

    Who wants to lead?

    The fight for our democracies must continue, with you.

    We’re just beginning.

    Christos FLOROS

    —

    My ancestors called themselves Roman. I call myself European. How long will we last? It’s up to us.

  • Every Nation for Itself

    Every Nation for Itself

    This is not just a ‘thank you’ post.

    But first, yes:

    28,874 personal thank you‘s for supporting me.

    And 253,344 thank you‘s for supporting our incredible DP – Demokratesch Partei team.

    To have earned your trust, your support, your faith, in my, and our team’s ability to deliver for you, that requires a huge, and sincere, thank you.

    My projections for Luxembourg and Europe were unfortunately accurate, and yet on an emotional level, we always hope to do better.

    One always hopes to do better than their own data indicates. Even if, again, I have to thank you, for giving me almost double the personal support I expected in my first election, especially one that I fought without any press, or media coverage — entirely with you, entirely grassroots. But this is not about any one person, or even any one country. Because these were European elections, about the future of our Union.

    So, let’s make it clear:

    The extremes did not win these elections, but many of us around Europe lost them. By failing (over the years, not just in this campaign) to convince our fellow citizens, that we can do better. And we must listen very clearly to this democratic protest.

    The biggest loser of these Elections is the European Union.

    ‘Divide et impera’: we are being divided, and the fact that many of us seem to ignore a carefully curated plan being actioned, is incredibly worrying.

    Those who seek to divide us have infiltrated our society, our media, our industries, our public discourse, and our politics.

    And the trend is clear, our Union is polarised, both in terms of political direction and in terms of supranational unity.

    Those of us who are responsible, moderate, politicians must be willing to take responsibility for this loss of confidence in our Union.

    Those of us who have opened a history book more than twice in our lives, must be willing to continue working, just as passionately, just as determined, to ensure history does not repeat itself.

    We must be willing to continue doing everything we can, to ensure Europe delivers for its citizens.

    Because we have got to take responsibility for the results all over Europe.

    Even if my generation is only just entering politics, we must be willing to take responsibility for the previous generations too. Because that’s what leaders do.

    European citizens are tired of overregulation. European citizens are fed-up with a European Union unable to work successfully together on border control. European citizens are frustrated, that we keep asking more of them, than we are able to offer them. European citizens are tired of handouts, when the majority of them work incredibly hard for their dues. European citizens want to be empowered to succeed.

    In the process of this protest, in the process of this polarisation, we are having our Trump moment. Mirroring what is happening in the United States, as I told Christelle BRUCKER yesterday. The big difference however is this: Trump loves Trump. And in Europe we don’t actually elect a single Trump. We elect multiple different Trumps, who each only love themselves, and their nations. A Europe of nations, working in their own self-interest, in a G-Zero world (yes, I’ve stolen the title from Ian Bremmer‘s 2012 book) will not deliver for any European citizen, regardless of how industrious, capable or ambitious the individual nation may be.

    Our countries, may have bright histories, but only together, do we pull enough weight in the world today (and even together, we’ve been reducing our weight enormously over the years – see image below). The United States are innovating, and we are simply falling behind, as China rises at an incredible pace.

    Only a strong, empowered, and purpose-led European Union can deliver for European citizens. Whether Spanish, French, Greek or Luxembourgish. Whether Romanian, Portuguese, German or Finnish.

    Share of World GDP / observations in text above

    So bottom line, here’s what I am going to do.

    • I will continue to be incredibly active in my country’s politics, at every level, micro-local, local, national and international.
    • I will continue investing my time and energy for you, within the DP – Demokratesch Partei to ensure we can conserve our Union and ensure we collectively succeed in the new global order.
    • I will continue attempting to make our politics more accessible, and more open to both criticism and participation.
    • I will continue encouraging, with my incredible colleague Jana Degrott (who by the way, not only had an incredible score, but also proved to be one of our country’s most committed politicians) more people to get involved.
    • I will continue speaking about AI, Defence and Cybersecurity (including Misinformation and Foreign Influence).
    • I will continue speaking about Europe’s competitiveness, our economy, our industries.
    • I will continue to ask for increased availability of information across our media in Luxembourg.

    And you may have guessed it:

    I will continue asking more of you, to choose to take responsibility and REGISTER TO VOTE.

    I want to thank all of you again for your support,

    Thank Charles Goerens , Amela Skenderovic , Nancy Braun , Jana Degrott , Gusty Graas and the entire team, every section, every MP, every member, every volunteer, for their support, and engagement into our campaign, to strengthen Europe.

    I want to also thank you for reading,

    I believe in Europe.

    If every nation in our Union plays for itself, we will all lose in the new state of the world.

    If we can continue to play together, with real, purposeful leadership, then we can succeed.

    Thank you for everything,

    This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I look forward to doing it again for you, for our city, our country, our Union, and yes, the collective success of our world.

    Kind regards,

    Christos FLOROS

  • Have we forgotten Ukraine?

    Have we forgotten Ukraine?

    Recent advances by Russian forces north and north-east of Kharkiv and intensified attacks along the eastern front are reminders that we must remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine.

    Russia’s recent territorial gains in Ukraine represent a significant threat to the stability and security of the European continent. The advances near Kharkiv and the intense fighting in the eastern regions highlight Moscow’s persistent ambition to extend its influence and control further into Europe. Allowing Russia to succeed would embolden other authoritarian regimes, undermine NATO’s collective security framework, and destabilize the broader region.

    The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict; it is a fundamental battle over the principles of national sovereignty and the rule of law.

    While other urgent and brutal conflicts and warfare around the world understandably capture public attention, we must not lose sight of the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Despite heavy losses, Ukrainian forces continue to hold critical positions, demonstrating the importance of sustained support.

    By supporting Ukraine, we defend the principles that underpin our global order and ensure that aggression and lawlessness do not prevail.

    The world must not turn away. It is imperative that we maintain our support and stand united against the forces of tyranny and oppression (wherever they are).

    At the same time, while we grapple with the grave allegations against Israel and the complex situation in Gaza, it is crucial to prioritise human lives first. Yes, of course, the international community must strive to support the Palestinian peoples’ self-determination and ensure that any violations of international law are met with consequences. However, our immediate priority must be the cessation of all warfare to prevent further loss of life.

    The tragic situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and other conflict zones demand urgent attention and resolution. Ending the bloodshed must come first, paving the way for peace and justice to follow.

  • Boosting Europe’s Industries

    Boosting Europe’s Industries

    Europe’s industrial landscape is still dynamic, diverse, and certainly globally interconnected. To maintain and enhance competitiveness, the European Union must adopt strategic measures that promote innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

    We’ve got to invest in innovation

    The EU should double down on R&D spending. Encouraging both public and private investment in cutting-edge technologies to drive breakthroughs. We’ve also got to foster collaboration between businesses, academia, and research institutions. Joint efforts can lead to technological advancements that benefit all of us, not just our industries. But we’ve got to go beyond throwing money at it. We’ve got to actually implement these relationships.

    We’ve got to bring the price of energy down

    Reducing energy costs is critical for industrial competitiveness. Everyone tells us that. It’s common sense, we’ve got to do it. So we’ve got to diversisy energy sources, at scale, fast and slash prices in the process. Big ask, but we’ve got to deliver. Partners are playing at an advantage we don’t have, and we keep adding disadvantages for our own businesses.

    Get rid of unneeded bureaucracy

    We’ve got to streamline regulations to enhance business agility. The DP proposes a Commissioner with the specific agenda of bringing regulation into the 21st century. Easy to navigate, helping our business grow, instead of employing more people in compliance than the actual business itself. We’ve got to foster a supportive ecosystem for businesses to thrive.

    Europe’s commitment to the ecological transition and sustainability should align with its drive for economic growth and global competitiveness. Europe must strengthen its industries and remain a formidable player on the world stage. There’s a lot more work to be done, more than I’ve covered here. But I want you to know that’s on my mind, not just from a business perspective, from a strategic and geopolitical perspective too.

    We’ve got to work for Europe, all Europeans, in the interest not only of ourselves, but the entire world. An EU that thrives, can inspire and motivate the rest of the world.

  • Cybersecurity, a Secure and Resilient Europe

    Cybersecurity, a Secure and Resilient Europe

    In the upcoming EU elections, one of my primary concerns is the security and resilience of Europe in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

    The concept of defense has evolved significantly in the 21st century. Traditional defense mechanisms, while still crucial, are no longer sufficient in isolation. Cyber threats targeting our critical infrastructure, financial systems, and even democratic processes are a challenge we have to keep on tackling. The European Union has got to make cybersecurity a key component of its defense strategy.

    From energy grids to communication networks, Europe’s infrastructure is increasingly reliant on digital technologies. A single cyberattack can disrupt entire cities, cause economic turmoil, and endanger lives. Recent incidents have shown how vulnerable our infrastructure can be, making it imperative to enhance our cyber defenses. Cybercrime, identity theft, and online fraud are growing concerns that affect millions of Europeans.

    A unified approach is essential. By fostering cooperation among member states, and sharing intelligence and best practices, we can create a resilient defense network capable of thwarting cyber threats.

    Cybersecurity is not just about defense of course; it’s also a driver of innovation. By investing in cybersecurity, Europe can lead in developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions that have global applications.

    As your candidate, I am committed to championing policies that strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and position Europe as a leader in the digital world.

  • All Eyes on Benjamin

    All Eyes on Benjamin

    “In the Bibi world there is no value, metric or significance for anything, other than pledging allegiance to the leader Benjamin Netanyahu each and every morning.” writes Chaim Levinson on Haaretz.

    Internal divisions in Israel are clearly apparent. Last Saturday night, extreme supporters of ‘Bibi’ attacked Gadi Kedem, a man who lost his family on October 7. “It’s a good thing they killed your children,” they cursed at his wife.

    Chaim goes on to write that this is ‘Israel’s second war of independence. It’s not against Hamas. It’s amongst ourselves.’

    It is what he says later that I find even more interesting: ‘Israel cannot afford not to be excellently managed. This place is violent and dangerous and rests on very delicate brakes and balances… Countries rise and fall. There were once empires, like Greece. They collapsed due to generation after generation of failed management.’

    It’s clear that most Israelis know that Netanyahu is not acting in the best interest of Israelis or Israel anymore. It’s been clear to many for a while, but now it must be really clear to most. Bibi only cares about Bibi and his view of what Israel must be. Even as world leaders try to warn him, he is responsible for the biggest loss of support Israel has seen in decades.

    Meanwhile, the world’s population has their eyes turned to Gaza, specifically Rafah. If my own social media were an indication of European sentiment, at least 1 in 3 people, or more, have their eyes on Rafah. “All Eyes on Rafah” is written on every second or third Instagram story, on Facebook, on Twitter, where people speak.

    Terrifying images coming out of camps after the recent bombing of Rafah, where people were living, thinking they were in a safe zone, have circulated to nearly every human being with a phone on Earth, or at least in the Western world.

    It’s a challenge to be vocal about how one feels, seeing the reality on the ground, without falsely insinuating that somehow, as a European Parliament candidate, you’d have any influence over Benjamin Netanyahu’s mind. And I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: most of us make it clear that we support all people’s right to self-determination, and we must ensure this is done, without professing, that the European Parliament has the direct ability to end or influence the immediate cessation of the ongoing violence.

    Israelis are scared, hoping to see friends and family return from tunnels in Gaza. Palestinians are scared, perhaps even hopeless, about the possibility of ever seeing loved ones again, unsure in the fog of war, in the dust, about whether they are separated forever or momentarily. The worst of our humanity has indeed been invoked, to paraphrase myself from October, and I’m unsure where this ends.

    From a national, Luxembourgish, perspective, it is clear that our government supports achieving a ceasefire. We do not engage in performance politics however. I believe other people’s plight should not become an electoral wager for politicians in third countries. Our priority must be to assist the people affected by this conflict and ensure the upholding of international law in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the wider region.

    It is our collective responsibility to ensure we are capable of putting an end to the destruction of indescribable proportions taking place today, the upholding of international law, and to put ourselves in a position to support what comes next. From a European perspective too. But what will it take? I’ve said it again and again, if we are truly friends of Israel, we must help it from making the worst mistake it’s ever made. Benjamin Netanyahu, whether the latest strike was a mistake or not, should no longer feel capable of leading. Of course, we won’t wait for Netanyahu to find a moral center today. Has he ever had one? He won’t find it today.

    I am afraid, not only because we mourn thousands of our fellow human beings today. I am afraid for what this conflict is doing to our societies throughout Europe too. It’s pitting us against each other.

    Pretending like antisemitism is not on the rise is dangerous. Islamophobia and xenophobia are on the rise too. We’re being divided by our inability to help ensure peace at a time when Europe is not even certain of being able to guarantee its own peace. Maps are being redrawn, and what is happening is being used by various actors to advance their own expansion and agendas (see Erdogan).

    I can’t get the images of violence out of my head. But this is not about me, not about any of us typing statements from afar. I remember, was it a French journalist or an ex-politician who said, this is not the time for history lessons; this is not the time for context. Let this be done by historians. This is the time to guarantee peace and ceasefire so both Israelis and Palestinians can stop feeling fear and terror of each other and so that they can live in peace. Whatever needs to happen must happen now. Every now that’s past.

    My Jewish friends are scared, my Israeli friends are scared. My Muslim friends are in pain, my Palestinian friends are heartbroken. All of them, human beings, with hearts and fears, like you, like me. What I care about is how we build peace. And I’ve said it again and again, I know my scope and limitations. So what do we do? I ask you.

    We are setting up a generation that will hate each other. Once again, what can we learn from our own brutal history, the history of how most European countries chose to forgive aggressive countries from central Europe after World War II? How can we mend the wounds? Because if all we are setting up is a stage for perpetual fear of the other, revenge, and bloodshed, then nobody wins, nobody lives.

    All our eyes are on Netanyahu. He stands at a crossroads where his decisions will either further plunge the region into chaos or offer a slim chance for peace. It is not enough to merely critique his leadership and condemn the attack; the global community must take tangible steps to mediate, support, and pressure for a sustainable resolution.

    As we watch this tragedy unfold, we must remember that our collective humanity demands we strive for peace and justice for all.