LETTER: SA mirrors global fractures
An expected big swing to the right in Europe has not yet materialised, but events in France are cause for concern
The strength of western countries, namely their unity and openness to globalism, is under threat of the wave of populism and nationalism, largely caused by the reactions to the flood of migrants from unstable countries. Besides conflicts and natural disasters, the mass migration ironically also has its roots in western politics in other parts of the world for decades, even generations. US President Donald Trump and the far right took advantage of this in an opportunistic manner. Trump’s election and Brexit were two of the most prominent results of this political opportunism. An expected big swing to the right in Europe has not materialised as yet. The current events in France are, however, a cause for concern. It shows that the far right and also radical left elements are very active and still determined to ride this populist wave. French President Emmanuel Macron is endeavouring to address this leadership crisis and division in the western world. However, the fact that he is openly...
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