Researchers Antonio Villafranca and Professor Alberto Alemanno are calling for Europe to prioritize maintaining its democratic status and combatting extremism amidst two ongoing wars and growing international tensions. The recent attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia is viewed as a concerning sign of Europe’s increasing divisiveness, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s comment describing Fico as a “peace-promoting ally” raising eyebrows.
Orbán’s statement has been interpreted as a reference to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, highlighting the reluctance of both leaders to assist the country. This has led researchers to urge Orbán to moderate his rhetoric in order to prevent further division and violence in Europe. The increase in violence, including attacks on politicians in Germany and other European countries, has raised concerns about maintaining democratic values and combating extremism in the current political climate.
The Eurasia Group and ISPI have warned of an escalating trend of violence in Europe, with attacks on politicians becoming more frequent. As Europe prepares for the upcoming European Parliament elections, the impact of Fico’s attack on future violence remains uncertain. Fico is currently recovering from surgery following the attack, while the suspect will face charges of attempted murder in court. Researchers are emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and preventing extremism in Europe as it grapples with growing tensions and geopolitical risks.
