Europe should confront the growing far-right movement with left-wing populism, says philosopher Santiago Zabala.
The European Union was born to maintain the neoliberal project. He hoped to create a neutral politics in Europe, a politics beyond left and right, beyond socialism and conservatism, that would allow states to function no matter what.
The EU wants the continent to be governed by parties firmly in the political center, or by large coalitions. But many Europeans, even progressive people like myself, are a bit tired of this constant search for the “big center”. The moderate governments, parties and coalitions of the center are not taking into consideration the real needs of the people when formulating their policies. Most European citizens want clear and direct policies that can solve their economic problems.
All of this is creating an opportunity for the emergence of extremists who can communicate a very clear political message. At the moment, the extreme right is taking advantage of this, but the extreme left is not.
Philosopher Santiago Zabala explains why Europe should confront the growing far-right movement with left-wing populism.
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