Vigenin: Political polarisation is a strategy of the far right, it is politicians' duty to restore trust

The annual Forum for Parliamentary Democracy took place in the European Parliament, bringing together MEPs, representatives of the national parliaments and civil society to discuss key topics related to democratic processes in Europe. Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of Socialists and Democrats took part in the panel devoted to political polarisation, a trend that is growing across Europe and globally.

In his speech Vigenin stressed that the growing divisions in society are not accidental, nor can they be explained solely by social networks. “Algorithms and online platforms are only tools. The responsibility lies with those who use them,” he said, drawing attention to the role of political actors who deliberately exploit citizens’ fears.

The MEP pointed out that in recent years populist and far-right movements “took hold of the fear generated by real problems and turned it into an instrument for sowing distrust and division”. He warned that this is not a side effect of the political process, but a deliberate strategy that leads to an erosion of trust in the institutions, in the media and between citizens themselves.

Three priorities for normalising political dialogue

Before the delegates Vigenin outlined three key priorities for normalising political dialogue in Europe: more visible results and clearer communication, with the EU having to offer concrete solutions, create simpler and more transparent rules and explain the benefits of its policies clearly; institutions remaining spaces for dialogue rather than confrontation, because intolerance of a different opinion has no place in the democratic process; and solving the problems the far right exploits, the inequalities, insecurity and social divisions that feed radicalisation.

“It is politicians’ duty to restore and protect trust. Democracy is not a given, it is daily work that requires responsibility, integrity and respect for society,” Vigenin said in conclusion.