Brussels can be a comfortable city for a politician. A place away from voters and their concerns, where the sheer scale of European issues can influence the real impact of decisions taken or not taken. This is completely contrary to the urgency of local politics.
When I worked in Düsseldorf, people would come up to me on the street or around town, and tell me their concerns and how decisions affected them. Or about how the indecision of politicians has left them uncertain about the future. The same applies for Berlin. It is these direct conversations that have taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone as a leader. Making myself uncomfortable.
Make no mistake, these are uncomfortable times for Europeans. We face inconvenient challenges. There is no comfortable way forward. There’s no way to please everyone. Difficult decisions will have to be taken. And at the same time, we see politicians shying away from these hard choices. Postponing them for later. Taking them further into the future. Hopefully the problems will resolve themselves.
Most of all, people want capable politicians who can get things done.
I believe this is a fundamental reason why European voters are increasingly disillusioned with politics. Research from the ALDE party shows that above all, people want competent politicians who can get things done.
And what do they get? Quarreling politicians. An increasingly hostile political environment. Populist rhetoric, which sounds nice – if you’re interested in it – but it has never provided a single solution to real-world problems.
Populist politics is easy. You don’t need to surprise people with uncomfortable answers.
Populist politics is easy. You don’t need to surprise people with uncomfortable answers. You just tell them what they want to hear. Bend the truth a bit. Blaming problems on others. We see these types of politicians on the rise throughout our continent. In some countries they are winning elections. It sends a signal to other politicians: If you copy them, you too can win.
This is also a comfortable approach. Why fight them if you can copy them? The answer is simple. If we do not stand up against radical populism and extremism, the EU’s core values – democracy, the rule of law and human rights – will be at risk. These values guarantee prosperity, security and peace. Now more than ever, we must staunchly defend our values against the false prophets of extremism and totalitarianism from inside and outside our union – those who spread chaos and roll back our freedoms while promising a return to stability and a nonexistent past. We do.
There is no time for politicians to get complacent when there is so much at stake. If we want Europe to prosper, we have to be action-oriented. We need to invest in skills, digital and sustainable technologies and embrace innovation. If we want to make Europe safer, we have to be bold. We must strengthen our defense capabilities and counter those who try to take us hostage. If we want people to be optimistic about the endless possibilities that our Union offers, we have to be militant.
Many people in Europe are disappointed. They are looking for politicians who can protect what needs protecting. Who stand up for their European values. They are looking for politicians who are straightforward, capable and deliver results. Let’s give them what they want. Let’s not sit back – let’s dare to act.