Prague
In 2004, the Central European and Baltic countries joined the European Union as new members. The Prague office seeks to strengthen liberal forces, both political and intellectual, in the region. Our project office particularly supports the 4liberty.eu network, which serves as a centre of competence and a platform for dialogue.
News
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[PUBLICATION] What Shall I Call You?
Hungarian polarized political landscape, dominated by the illiberal Fidesz-KDNP, poses challenges to the liberal identity. There are self-declared liberals, human rights liberals, and economic liberals. However, as many as 64 percent of Hungarians do not align with liberal values in any way. Still, the term "liberal" is more popular among Hungarians than the actual liberal values. Read on to discover what liberalism truly means in Hungary in a publication of the Republikon Institute, which is a part of the project in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, 21 Research Centre, and Political Capital.
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Vacancy: Finance & HR Administrator (f/m/d) in Central Europe and Baltic States
The position of Finance & HR Administrator in Central Europe and Baltic States in the Prague office is available from January 1, 2024 on a full-time basis with 40 hours per week, limited until December 31, 2025. Click here for more information.
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Disinformers are criticising the EU’s decisions to advance accession negotiations with Ukraine, the WHO is being labeled as a “dictatorship”
The WHO is negotiating the "Pandemic Treaty" to enhance global readiness for future pandemics, but far-right parties, like Slovakia's Republika, criticise it as a threat to human rights and national sovereignty. The topic of Ukraine is still prevailing in the disinformation scene in Slovakia. Opposition from pro-Kremlin sources to the EU's decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine includes labelling Ukraine a "failed state" despite positive indicators.
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From Poland with Love - October
In the wake of Poland's democratic victory, a seismic shift rocks the political landscape. Though PiS claims the lead, a coalition of Civic Coalition, Third Way, and the Left holds a clear majority. With PiS unable to secure power, President Duda's move defies logic, appointing Mateusz Morawiecki. December holds the promise of a new era with Donald Tusk's as the Prime Minister.
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Sanctions against Russia are once again being discredited, Orbán’s meeting with Putin garners support from pro-Russian actors
In a groundbreaking meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin, their historic handshake raised eyebrows across Europe. Despite Russia's recent aggression in Ukraine, Putin praised the strong ties with Hungary, while Orbán expressed his commitment to expand communication. While this alliance has sparked criticism from European leaders, it's also gained support, particularly from Slovak actors known for pro-Russian content.
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Victory for Democracy in Poland
The fateful elections in Poland on 15 October marked a historic turning point. The long queues in front of the polling stations showed that the citizens longed for change. The national-conservative PiS suffered heavy losses and the pro-European opposition gained force. A new government coalition of KO, Third Way and the left-wing party Nowa Lewica could put the country back on a European course. Despite the challenges, there is hope for a new, democratic and united Poland.
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The decision of European socialists to suspend Slovak ruling parties sparks accusations of blackmailing and authoritarianism
In Slovakia, political tension mounts as the Party of European Socialists suspends SMER-SSD and Hlas-SD for forming a coalition with the far-right Slovak National Party. Robert Fico, portrays his party as victims of authoritarianism, but underlying issues include divisive rhetoric on LGBTQ+ rights, nationalities, and migration. The party's pro-Russian sentiments contribute to their "far-right" label. Additionally, political actors intensify their opposition to NGOs, echoing authoritarian practices and raising concerns for Slovakia's democracy.
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Election Campaign in Poland: The Desired Turning Point at Reach
This Sunday, the parliamentary election will take place in Poland. The topics of the election campaign range from women's rights to inflation and security. The ruling PiS party's anti-campaign targets Donald Tusk and tries to portray him as a vassal of Germany and Brussels. A referendum parallel to the elections is intended to strengthen the PiS's influence. Poland is facing a crucial election that will influence its political fate and its role in the EU.
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From Poland with Love - September
Poland's pivotal elections are going to be held on October 15. The campaign has been intense, focusing on migration, security, inflation, and women's rights. The recent 'One Million Hearts March' was a massive, optimistic event. Poland-Germany tensions rise as PiS accuses Berlin of interference. The economy faces challenges with a surprising interest rate cut. Discover the recent cultural controversies around the new movie 'Green Border'.
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Family Policy Trends in Central-Eastern Europe
The Republikon Institute invites you to a conference on 17.10. about family policy in Central and Eastern European countries. The participants will discuss liberal policy steps in the family support policies.
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No Liberal Miracle in Slovakia: Prorussian Smer Party Wins the Election
The last polls just before the election gave reason for hope. According to the polls, the Liberals could look forward to strong gains and, even more, the chance to take first place. The polls on the election day itself, published after the polling stations closed last Saturday shortly before 11 pm, also predicted a victory for the ALDE member party Progresívne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia, abbreviated PS). On Sunday morning, however, disappointment prevailed: The left-wing populist Robert Fico, an outspoken sympathiser of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, won the election with just under 23 percent. Who is Robert Fico?
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Pro-Russian actors label Ukrainians as "ungrateful" amidst grain export dispute
In a web of shifting narratives, Slovakia faces challenges on multiple fronts. Pro-Russian actors label Ukrainians as "ungrateful" amid grain export disputes. Meanwhile, divisive voices exploit the EU migration crisis, applauding Poland's border control measures, and attacking Slovakia's government. Foreign reporters become targets for disinformation campaigns, as Robert Fico's pro-Russian stance gains traction.
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The Contemporary Human Rights Situation in Central and Eastern Europe
Join us for our online roundtable on October 5th at 5 p. m. The roundtable will discuss and present the publication “The Contemporary Human Rights Situation in Central and Eastern Europe” as a result of shared design between the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Russia and Central Asia, office in exile, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for Central Europe and the Baltic States, and the Novum Institute from Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Political actors accuse polling agencies of manipulating pre-election polls, anti-LGBT rhetoric intensifies
Amid Slovakia's approaching parliamentary elections, unfounded allegations of poll manipulation gain traction, while attacks on NGOs and a surge in anti-LGBT rhetoric add to election campaign turmoil. Various political actors, driven by their own agendas, are leveraging diverse topics to garner public support, intensifying their efforts as the election date approaches. Read more in the new Desinformation newsletter!
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Impacts of the Russian War in Ukraine on CEE
4liberty.eu, a network of representatives of liberal think tanks from Central and Eastern Europe, is pleased to present you the latest issue of their Review, titled “Impacts of the Russian War in Ukraine on CEE”. This time, the network's primary focus is on the response to the Russian aggression in the region, as well as various related phenomena and challenges.
