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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

Democracy is Gasping for Breath, and You Don’t Seem to Care: A Grim Reflection

Dear reader, democracy in the world is gasping for breath, and you don’t seem to care. Allow me to prove this to you.

Europe is suffocating under a dense political fog, where democracy dissipates like fine sand through fingers. The recent European Parliament elections unveiled a harsh reality: the far right, fueled by frustration and fear, advances mercilessly. In France, Jordan Bardella, with 31.5% of the vote, crushes macronism, which dwindles to a pathetic 15.2%. The socialists, mere shadows of their former glory, crawl along with 14%.

In a desperate act, Macron dissolves the National Assembly and calls for new elections in June. This isn’t just a political maneuver but a last gasp, a frantic attempt to reverse the course of history. Faced with nearly 40% support for the nationalists, only a monumental shock can save the democrats. Dissolving the Assembly is an attempt to reorganize the scene, forcing new elections and possibly mobilizing moderate and left-wing voters to unite against the inexorable rise of the far right.

The young Bardella, 29, married to Marine Le Pen’s niece, embodies a toxic tradition. Xenophobia, nationalism, fear of the other – these are the mantras he chants to an exasperated audience. The socialists, ironically, see a glimmer of hope in their 14%, a rebirth amidst collapse. However, the prospect of France under Le Pen’s rule becomes more accurate with each election, a nightmare solidifying with every vote.

Macron plays high stakes, but the paradox is cruel: nationalists triumph in a parliament meant to symbolize unity. The far right’s victory reflects profound fatigue with persistent problems of immigration and security. Politics has become a swamp where old formulas lose power and new proposals frighten with their reactionism.

We live in dark times, constantly threatening the light of reason. Social media has turned politics into a grotesque circus of symbolic violence, where moderation is seen as a weakness. In less than a month, we will know what remains of Enlightenment France. European democracy teeters on the brink, awaiting the verdict of the polls.

As we watch this scene unfold, it’s impossible not to reflect on Israel’s political situation. The rise of the far right in Europe dangerously resonates in Israel, where internal divisions and political polarization worsen.

Israel, this land of conflicts and dreams, faces its abyss. Far-right movements in Israel echo European discontent with immigration, security, and cultural identity. Israeli politics, too, becomes a treacherous swamp, where moderation is seen as weakness and extreme solutions gain strength.

The dangers are evident: a society increasingly fragmented, where dialogue drowns in the clamor of radicalization. History teaches us that such internal divisions can lead to conflicts and weaken democratic institutions. In both contexts, the real battle is not just at the polls but for the soul of democracy and the ability to build an inclusive and just future.

European and Israeli democracies face shared challenges and dangers. It’s an urgent call for moderate and democratic forces to unite, transcending ideological divisions, to preserve the values that sustain our societies. The fate of civilization may depend on our ability to resist the tide of extremism and reaffirm our commitment to democracy and humanity. If I’m right, this world will have no place for people like me or those who agree with this article.

About the Author
As a Brazilian, Jewish, and humanist writer, I embody a rich cultural blend that influences my worldview and actions. Six years ago, I made the significant decision to move to Israel, a journey that not only connects me to my ancestral roots but also positions me as an active participant in an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future. My Latin American heritage and life in Israel have instilled a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice. Through my writing, I delve into themes of authoritarianism, memory, and resistance, aiming not just to reflect on history but to actively contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable future. My work is an invitation for reflection and action, aspiring to advance human dignity above all.
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