The Daily Political Mayhem in Britain and Italy
Aug 30, 2019
Katrin Bennhold, Berlin bureau chief for The New York Times, offers keen insights into Europe's political turmoil. She discusses Boris Johnson's controversial suspension of Parliament, viewed as a threat to democracy amid the Brexit chaos. Bennhold also highlights Italy's political landscape, where former foes unite against the rise of populism. The conversation reveals the precarious balance between populism and democracy, illustrating how both nations grapple with significant political upheaval and the future of democratic values.
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Parliament Suspension
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson suspended Parliament, limiting its ability to block a no-deal Brexit.
- This move has sparked controversy, with critics calling it a subversion of democracy and supporters deeming it standard procedure.
Johnson's Justification
- Johnson argues that Parliament obstructing Brexit is undemocratic, as the people voted for it.
- He positions himself as the people's representative, fulfilling their will against an obstructive elite.
Defining Democracy
- The core issue is a clash of definitions of democracy: is it about respecting direct votes or representative institutions?
- This tension fuels rising populism across Europe, as people's trust in representatives declines.