The election cycle that began in Eastern Europe turned out to be more tense and unpredictable than expected in Brussels. Chief Advisor to the RISS Director Oksana Petrovskaya analyzed the course of the election races in Romania and Poland, as well as the upcoming campaign in the Czech Republic. The specialist noted the growth of political activity among the population, especially among young people, disappointed with the long-term neoliberal course of the establishment, detached from the real socio-economic problems of the majority of European citizens.
Summary:
Chief Advisor to the RISS Director Oksana Petrovskaya thoroughly goes through elections in Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The expert claims that Romanian elections are in some way “unprecedented” – they were de-facto cancelled for the first time in Europe. In the first leg the win was secured by the far-right candidate. The second leg was not so surprising. The results show a so-called split within the society in Romania. The tendency over Europe is, however, clear – far-right ideas are becoming more and more popular. We can see liberal democracy crisis in the EU.
Petrovskaya also singled out one phenomenon. People vote not for the candidate, but against them.
As for Poland, the country succeeded in getting rid of the “right wing” trend. The rest of European countries are looking up to Poland. Young people there are tired of two constant parties in the government and express radical views, looking for the third “”power”.
Chief Advisor to the RISS Director believes that far-right politicians and parties do not have enough power to govern on their own. Besides, they are problematic to reach an agreement with.
The expert concludes that small countries will search for small unions within the EU, having no belief in bigger states’ assistance.
30.05.2025
Share
Political Anxiety in Eastern Europe
Summary:
Chief Advisor to the RISS Director Oksana Petrovskaya thoroughly goes through elections in Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The expert claims that Romanian elections are in some way “unprecedented” – they were de-facto cancelled for the first time in Europe. In the first leg the win was secured by the far-right candidate. The second leg was not so surprising. The results show a so-called split within the society in Romania. The tendency over Europe is, however, clear – far-right ideas are becoming more and more popular. We can see liberal democracy crisis in the EU.
Petrovskaya also singled out one phenomenon. People vote not for the candidate, but against them.
As for Poland, the country succeeded in getting rid of the “right wing” trend. The rest of European countries are looking up to Poland. Young people there are tired of two constant parties in the government and express radical views, looking for the third “”power”.
Chief Advisor to the RISS Director believes that far-right politicians and parties do not have enough power to govern on their own. Besides, they are problematic to reach an agreement with.
The expert concludes that small countries will search for small unions within the EU, having no belief in bigger states’ assistance.