Tag

Democratic Backsliding

All articles tagged with #democratic backsliding

world2 months ago

EU Criticizes Georgia's Democratic Backsliding Amid Ukraine's EU Bid

The article discusses Georgia's political decline under the Georgian Dream government, which is moving away from Western democratic principles and towards Russian influence, with increased repression of opposition and pro-Western groups. It emphasizes the importance of Western support for Georgia's pro-democracy movement, including sanctions and recognition of legitimate leadership, to prevent further erosion of democracy and to maintain regional stability and strategic interests like the Middle Corridor and access to Caspian energy. The article calls for renewed Western engagement and support for Georgia's pro-democracy protesters and institutions.

european-union6 months ago

EU Maintains €18 Billion Freeze on Hungary Over Rule of Law Issues

The EU will keep €18 billion in funds frozen for Hungary due to lack of progress on rule of law reforms, with ongoing concerns about democratic backsliding and civil society restrictions, despite some previous unblocking of funds. The dispute highlights tensions between Brussels and Budapest over legal and political issues, including Hungary's refusal to pay a court-imposed fine.

european-union2 years ago

The EU's Enlargement: Why It Stopped and the Need for a Clear Target

The EU's enlargement process, once seen as a flagship project, has largely stalled since the 2004 wave of new members. The EU's cautiousness towards enlargement can be attributed to global crises, such as financial crises, migration crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which have diverted attention and forced the EU to address its challenges. Internal factors, including the rise of populism and nationalism, bilateral issues, and democratic backsliding in some member states, have also hindered the enlargement process. Concerns over money, voting rights, and decision-making have further slowed down the process. However, there is growing support for the idea of gradual integration, allowing candidate countries to join EU policies and programs as they progress in their accession process.

international-relations2 years ago

Hungary's Potential Obstruction of Sweden's NATO Membership

Hungary's parliament speaker, Laszlo Kover, has cast doubt on the need for Hungary to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO, potentially causing further delays in the process. Hungary's approval has been stalled since July due to concerns over criticism of Hungary's democratic backsliding by Swedish politicians. Hungary's foreign minister also recently expressed concerns over biased accusations against the Hungarian government. While most NATO members have ratified Sweden's bid, Hungary and Turkey have yet to do so, and both countries are coordinating their stance on the matter. It remains unclear whether the Swedish ratification will be on the agenda when Hungary's parliament reconvenes later this month.

politics2 years ago

Anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo triumphs in Guatemala's presidential election

Bernardo Arévalo, an anti-corruption candidate from the progressive Movimiento Semilla party, has won Guatemala's presidential election, defeating former first lady Sandra Torres. Arévalo's victory comes amidst concerns of democratic backsliding and a race marred by controversy. With a majority of the votes counted, Arévalo secured 59.1% of the vote. He pledged to tackle corruption, crime, malnutrition, and inequality, but faces challenges as Congress is expected to be controlled by establishment parties. Analysts warn of potential attempts to undermine his win, citing previous efforts to disqualify him. The dissolution of a UN-backed anti-corruption commission in 2019 has worsened corruption and inequality in Guatemala.