Macron’s Win Is Also a Blow to Viktor Orban’s Nationalist Crusade
New York TimesSep 09, 2022
The Facts
Slovenia's right-wing populist prime minister, Janez Janša, lost his battle for re-election to political newcomer Robert Golob and his Freedom Movement Party.
Golob's Freedom Movement Party, a liberal green coalition that was formed last year and launched this past Jan., captured 35% of the vote and is expected to form a coalition government with other, smaller liberal parties.
The Spin
Left narrative
Liberal democrats from across the EU are cheering this weekend's election results, which clearly demonstrate that Europeans are firmly on the side of democracy, the independent rule of law, and shared sovereignty. Right-wing leaders who advance democratic backsliding are losing ground across Eastern Europe.
Right narrative
Europe's left-wing liberal leaders are far out of step with their voters. They continue to celebrate the project of European integration and open borders, even as their people call for greater control of their borders and national sovereignty.
