The bad, the good and the beautiful of Euro-elections!

Μεταφράση στα Ελληνικά εδώ

Many people in Europe are worried about the rise of the far-right in these elections. In spite of all evidence that showed that we should expect such a rise, many people seem to be surprised by this. The truth is that the recession, the increased uncertainty about the future, the increased immigration and the fear it triggers, the scandals of politicians in many countries, have created a fertile soil for the development of extreme ideologies. So, it is hardly surprising that in such a climate, sections of the electorate turn to parties based on race hatred.

Immigration, especially from Africa is a huge issue and a reason of great concern. But, people are not going to stop coming to Europe. They are coming because it is not possible for them to live in their countries, due to war, poverty or hunger. These people are deprived of hope. They need help.

The rise of far-right scares many people. But we can fight it; we still have enough time to work towards the correct direction which is the political stabilization and the economic development of Africa and other deprived countries. We need to realise that this is NOT an action of charity; it is an action of strategic interest of Europe. It is the best investment we could make for the future of our continent.


But there were good things in these elections, as well. Green parties have increased their members in the European Parliament. Countries like Greece have elected for first time a green representative. The new green coalition, Europe Ecologie, headed by the former May 1968 student leader and Europe veteran Daniel Cohn-Bendit, won a surprisingly high tally, forcing climate change back onto the agenda for all French politicians.


Probably the most surprising of results that make me feel really happy and optimistic about the future, came from Sweden. The Pirate party, a batch of geeks called by many, a party at the fringe of politics, picked up a 7.4% of the Swedish vote and a seat in the European Parliament.


A terrific result for a “batch of geeks” who proved that apart from their “geeky specialties” can be also very effective on politics.

"Last night, we gained political credibility," founder Rick Falkvinge, 37, told BBC radio. "The establishment is trying to prevent control of knowledge and culture slipping from their grasp. People were not taken in."

Athena



Image Sources:
http://www.greenproducts.biz/templates/Oceanic/images/Green2.jpg
http://www.btaquatics.org/PIRATEPARTY.jpg


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