There are two similarly sized countries in Central Europe. Both are members of the European Union. Hungary is regarded as authoritarian and undemocratic, and various sanctions are applied to it. The Czech Republic is described as a model democracy. See if you can tell which is which.
One of them recently held elections and the election issue was the relationship with the Russian civil war. One party suggested that their country should stay out of it and focus on purely humanitarian aspects, or aid to the victims. The other side, on the other hand, suggested that the country should get involved and supply weapons to the war zone. The voters assessed the arguments of both sides and chose the one that did not want to engage. The winning party can thus implement its programme over the next four years. The other party, however, is free to criticise it. Perhaps the voters will change their minds during those years and vote for the other party next time.
….only one opinion is allowed. Criticizing that opinion is punishable in some cases, in others it is dealt with “only” by being fired from your job or having your website blocked
Perhaps the war will be over, but the complexity of the relationship will remain.
In the other country, only one opinion is allowed. Criticizing that opinion is punishable in some cases, in others it is dealt with “only” by being fired from your job or having your website blocked. The Prime Minister’s Office even calls for the denunciation of those who would publicly espouse an opposing view. The only acceptable view was not chosen by the voters in an election, it was decided by a small group of politicians.
Do you see the difference now? Can you see what real democracy is?
