Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) – President von der Leyen has a crucial opportunity to solidify the EU’s commitment to its citizens by definitively rejecting any future cooperation with far-right factions, writes Barbara Skrobol.
Izabela Sajbor, only 30 years old and 22 weeks pregnant, tragically died from septic shock due to doctors’ refusal to act under Poland’s stringent abortion laws enacted by the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) government. Her death left a grieving family and sparked nationwide protests against these restrictive laws. The official investigation cited medical malpractice, but the change in abortion law played a significant role in the doctors’ inaction.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of far-right politics, which often prioritize ideology over human life. Similar stories are emerging across Europe, where far-right governments attack personal freedoms and target families.
Victims’ Voices in Brussels
According to Euronews, a delegation of victims of far-right policies recently traveled to Brussels to urge center and left parties to resist aligning with ultra-right factions. The new European Parliament poses a significant concern. Far-right parties like Viktor Orban’s and Marine Le Pen’s have gained enough traction to influence decisions, making it tempting for some to consider deals with them.
The delegation shared personal stories to illustrate the real-life impact of far-right governance. In Hungary, a children’s book editor witnessed far-right MPs destroy books, reminiscent of Nazi practices. Orbán’s government later banned depictions of gay people in educational materials, violating children’s rights. In Italy, two lesbian mothers face losing parental rights due to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s directive against registering same-sex parents’ children. These stories underscore the personal and societal damage caused by far-right policies.
Despite President von der Leyen’s current stance against far-right alliances, there remains a risk of collaboration within the European Parliament, where right-wing majorities prevail in most committees. These committees wield significant influence, and the temptation for center-right parties to align with far-right views on certain issues is concerning.
The False Solutions of the Far-Right
Far-right parties offer false solutions to genuine problems such as rising food prices, housing shortages, and failing public services. They thrive on division and scapegoating, eroding freedoms, attacking families, and undermining democracy. These are not hypothetical fears but lived realities for many Europeans.
President von der Leyen must draw a definitive line against any future deals with the far-right. Izabela’s tragic death should not be in vain. No more lives should be lost to oppressive far-right policies. By standing together, we can protect the future of Europe for all its citizens.