DISINFO: There is no democracy in Europe
SUMMARY
When German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says that the Russians and particularly Putin want to kill European democracy, Europeans do not have to worry because it is impossible to kill what is already dead. Europeans have not had democracy for a long time. European leaders do not enjoy the support of the majority of the population. Decisions are being made by those for whom no one votes at all and even no procedure is followed. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU and European values. It is an extension of the Kremlin classic claim against the EU of harbouring 'The Elite vs the People'.
The European Union is a democratic organisation, which is based on the rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights. Other European values include contested elections, free media, human dignity, equality, a functioning market economy and other fundamental democratic requirements.
The EU is governed by the principle of representative democracy, with citizens directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament and Member States represented in the European Council and the Council of the EU. A European citizen automatically enjoys political rights. Every adult EU citizen has the right to stand as a candidate and to vote in elections to the European Parliament. EU citizens have the right to stand as candidates and to vote in their countries of residence, or in their countries of origin.
Many European countries are at the top of the 2023 World Press Freedom index (by Reporters Without Borders), which illustrates a free media environment. For comparison: Russia holds in this ranking the 164th position (out of 180 countries) while its allies Iran and North Korea stand at 177 and 180, respectively.
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