Britain at a crossroads: resisting the rightward shift in Europe

Britain resists the rightward shift of the European Union. As the British elections on July 4th approach, the country is gearing up for a crucial political crossroads that will test its traditional preference for a pragmatic government over demagoguery. In a European context marked by a growing rise of far-right populists, British voters are faced with the decision to ratify the centrist Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years, or to make way for a center-left Labour Party that has moderated its socialist positions to gain support. The philosopher Montesquieu attributed Britain's democratic spirit to its respect for the rule of law, emphasizing that the English are governed by laws and not by men. This notion of respect for a system based on established norms over time will be tested in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the European political landscape has experienced a seismic shift following the European Parliament elections on June 9, which have strengthened far-right populists in various countries, such as France and Germany. In Britain, Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party and Sir Keir Starmer of the Labour Party will face off in elections that seem less extremist than those in other European countries. Despite the presence of Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, an insurgent right-wing party, British politics remains on a moderate and centrist path, distant from the extremisms that have gained ground elsewhere on the continent. The British Conservative Party is about 20 points behind the Labour Party in the polls, indicating a possible significant loss of seats in Parliament if these predictions are confirmed. Voters, dissatisfied with a government they consider ineffective in economic matters, are seeking a change that could lead to a new form of centrism leaning more towards social democracy. In Europe, the trend towards populist authoritarianism has been fueled by dissatisfaction with immigration policies, the costly expansionism of the EU, and measures related to green energy. Countries like France and Germany have seen a growth of the far right, weakening the position of leaders like Macron in France and generating changes in the ruling coalition in Germany. While Britain appears to remain an oasis of political moderation compared to other European countries, it must not become complacent. Democracy requires constant vigilance to prevent extremes from taking control. Partisan politics in the UK has served as a barrier against extremism, but the possibility of a change in the status quo is a warning sign to maintain democratic stability. Montesquieu's legacy and his appreciation for a system based on laws and not men remain relevant in the current context, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a political balance that ensures stability and democracy in a constantly changing world.