THEY ARE - EUROPE

Since 2023

He is well-known for his criticism of the European Union and Islam and has proposed banning the Quran and closing mosques. In 2008, he released the movie Fitna, which caused uproar in many Muslim countries. His views have led to death threats and assassination attempts, requiring him to be under police protection since 2004. He formed alliances with far-right groups, such as the National Front in France and the Alternative for Germany. He was once barred from entering some countries for his views. Despite this, this climate denier won the 2023 election, but he needs more seats to be able to govern. Observers said it is one of the biggest political upsets in Europe since World War II.

Since 2022

She is viewed as far-right due to her political views and rhetoric. She is a member of Brothers of Italy, a right-wing political party, and has been vocal in her support for traditional family values, patriotism, and a hard stance on immigration. She has also been very critical of the European Union, calling for Italy to leave the union and pursue its own interests. Her rhetoric is seen as xenophobic and anti-immigrant, which puts her firmly in the far-right camp. She has also been vocal in her support for the death penalty, which is a controversial issue among many in Europe.

Since 2012

He has been accused of right-wing views, of limiting media freedom, curtailing independent civil society, and using the state to further his own interests since he came to power. He has also been accused of nationalizing the media and silencing critical voices. Vucic’s powerful rhetoric has been used to divide the opposition and rally his own base of support. His policies have resulted in a growing sense of polarization and mistrust between the government and the public. The December 17, 2023 election is marred by allegations of fraud, and massive protests are still taking place to this day.

Since 2014 as president

He is viewed as an authoritarian due to his increasing consolidation of power, his disregard for the separation of powers, and his suppression of freedom of expression. He has purged public institutions, created a political dynasty, undermined the rule of law, and sought to limit the power of the judiciary. He has also restricted freedom of assembly, cracked down on journalists, and imposed his own Islamist-nationalist agenda on the public. He declared that men and woman are not equal, withdrew from international convention to combat violence against women, and was also deemed as homophobic. Hot and cold relation with the West.

Since 2010

He establishes controversial policies such as the suppression of civil liberties, media censorship, and increasingly centralized control of government power. He has also been accused of dismantling democratic institutions, including the judiciary and independent media. Climate denier, his efforts to transform Hungary into an illiberal democracy have been widely criticized by the international community.

He has hard-line immigration ideology and policies and increasingly strong anti-LGBTQ legislation.

From 2000 to 2008, and since 2012

The remnants of USSR nostalgia continue to linger, as he longs for the days of a powerful and dominant nation. However, this nostalgia is overshadowed by the harsh reality of free-speech repression and the persecution of opponents and marginalized communities. Figures like Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza (both in prison) are constantly targeted and silenced by the government, while minority groups face discrimination and violence. The annexation of Crimea and ongoing invasion of Ukraine have been met with condemnation from the international community, but it seems that the government is determined to maintain its goal at any cost. The recent revelation that Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court for the unlawful kidnapping of children only adds to the growing concerns about the country's human rights violations. Only opponent was recently ruled out of the election process. It is clear that the current state of affairs in Russia is a far cry from the utopian image of the USSR that some may still hold onto. 

MORE:

- 2006 Aleksandr Litvinenko (polonium-210)
- 2018 Sergeï and Ioulia Skripal (Novitchok)
- 2020 Alexeï Navalny (Novitchok)

- Guelendjik palace
- Treasure
- Poverty
- Oligarchy

- De-Oligarchy

- Arctic
- Wagner
- Friends
- Protest
- Military operations

Since 1994

He has been referred to as "Europe's last dictator" by the media due to his suppression of political opponents and restrictions on press freedom. After winning the 2020 presidential election, allegations of electoral fraud were made, leading the European Union, United Kingdom and United States to not recognize the validity of his presidency. The main opposition candidate had to flee the country to avoid retaliations.