Lessons from the Last European Presidency Trios
The Council of the European Union as voice of the member governments and as main legislative body of the EU alongside with the Parliament, had a key role in these debates which worth to recall.
rule of law
Murder, Blackmail, Corruption: Why CEE Needs Magnitsky Act
The Magnitsky Law can serve not only as a strong political message, but also as a keen deterrent to international bullies, big or small. Ultimately, whom else but the people of CEE, having suffered for decades under different autocratic regimes could better understand the significance of human rights?
Presidential Election in Poland: Trzaskowski – Liberal Alternative to Duda
The popular Warsaw mayor, Trzaskowski did not join the election campaign until mid-May, but he set the tone from the beginning. The 48-year-old politician of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) and former European Minister is a feared opponent of the PiS.
Tom G. Palmer Gives 2019 Liberální Institut Annual Lecture
Tom G. Palmer, an American philosopher, Vice-President of the Atlas Network, and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, gave the 2019 Liberal Institute Annual Lecture and received the annual award. He became its 23rd recipient.
Who Is in Charge? Poland’s Presidential Election Chaos Exposes Power Outside of Commander in Chief’s Office
The delayed elections give the opposition a small but significant window of opportunity to make known the responsibilities of the office of president – to make often tricky decisions for the good of the nation. President Duda has already shown to be Kaczynski’s president, not the people’s president.
Hungarian and Polish Governments Use COVID-19 to Gain More Power
The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic has led to numerous legislative changes in countries around the world. However, some governments quickly recognized this as a unique opportunity for further concentration and consolidation of power.
Failing to Understand Diplomacy, Poland May Realize Value of Money
The conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government has conducted a calculated attack on the rule of law in Poland since it came into power in 2015, securing an overall majority in the Sejm, the lower house of the Parliament.
Hungary: PM Orbán Extends His Power Due to Coronavirus
On March 30, 2020, the Hungarian Parliament passed the so-called “Enabling Act”. In the future, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will, therefore, be able to govern by decree without parliamentary approval. Despite the spread of the new coronavirus, this shouldn’t have happened.
“Mini Schengen”: Western Balkans’ Embrace of Market
The Western Balkan countries already have plans for bold and deep institutional reforms that will not only liberalize and deliver a boost to their economies, but will also, most importantly, significantly improve the level of freedom enjoyed by the people in the region.
World Without Liberal Democracy
This article shall serve as a cautionary tale about the fact that if liberal democracy collapses, even liberally-minded people may dismiss democracy and promote liberty-oriented meritocracy, which would cut off numerous citizens from politics – sometimes, for their own good.
