“The election of Trump will, unfortunately, play a negative and decisive role in dealing with the climate crisis, with enormous implications for the present and future of the planet.” said George Papandreou when asked to comment on the outcome of the US elections.
The former Prime Minister emphasized that “Trump will be judged by his actions and his words, and what he has said is very specific». Mr. Papandreou estimated that “Europe-US relations will be shaken” and added: “The defense of Europe will be a key issue for us Europeans. It is an issue for which we Greeks and PASOK governments have always supported the need for a European defense and fought for it. Today, however, it is imperative. In a period of active conflict, not only in Gaza, but also in Ukraine and in general due to Russia’s aggression, the issue of security is crucial for Europeans».
Trump likes authoritarian regimes
Mr. Papandreou emphasized that “ Trump has shown a more general sympathy for authoritarian regimes and authoritarian leaders, which is not good for Western countries and peace. These leaders, for reasons of nationalism or ambition, or to establish permanent power, engage in military adventures. We see a fascist ideology being strengthened. It’s not just Trump. This ideology reinforces a far-right perception, and we see that conservative forces are increasingly controlled by a mentality that does not go hand in hand with democratic norms, human rights, dialogue and the formation of broader consensuses».
«Trump” pointed out Mr. Papandreou “he talks about economic protectionism. He plans to impose high tariffs on European products. Imagine the cost this will have on European industry and the daily lives of European citizens. As for climate change, Trump denies it.
It is obviously aware of its existence, but it serves big interests, such as the oil industries, and seeks to retain their support. Although he was elected with an anti-establishment profile, Trump is the one who will better serve the interests of the rich, and the burden of tariffs will fall on the middle and poorer class of America. His victory was no fluke, but points to deeper problems of inequality and deindustrialization in the US that Democrats have failed to highlight».
Europe’s two choices
«America must change, move away from the logic of hegemony and become a power that will shape international rules of law, which will also apply to itself. Unfortunately, with Trump this will not be achieved. It is a time when Europe must buckle up and it has two choices: either face its systematic undermining and disintegration, or seize the opportunity to emerge as a world leader with its principles – freedom, cooperation of peoples, humane rights, and humanization of globalization and capitalism, which today creates huge economic inequalities, which result in power inequalities that control democratic institutions. The media, sports teams are taken over, and politicians, judges, and police authorities are influenced“, he added.
«Unfortunately” emphasized Mr. Papandreou, “Europe is in a conservative turn and we must fight for a democratic and social democratic Europe. For our region it is a vital issue. We are a region with big problems and many contradictions. Greece can contribute dynamically to the process of strengthening Europe in all sectors and must finally deal not only with Greek-Turkish affairs, but also with the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, taking initiatives. We need to strengthen our relations with Hellenism and pressure groups inside the US. It needs an active, imaginative and bold foreign policy».
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