Don't feed the troll.
European Politics
- Thread starter Forostar
- Start date
Don't feed the troll.
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
Batman
Evening The Odds.
I can't wait for the presidential elections in Poland.
One of the candidates has a lot of scandals on his record and still has 25% support.
Scandal?
He agreed to take care of an old man in exchange for receiving an apartment from him after his death. When he became the old man's proxy on this basis, he sold the apartment to himself on his behalf and gave the old man to a social welfare home on the other side of the country. He didn't include this apartment in his tax return - journalists discovered it.
Additionally, he wrote history books under a pseudonym and used it to praise the candidate's intellect, i.e. his own.
One of the candidates has a lot of scandals on his record and still has 25% support.
Scandal?
He agreed to take care of an old man in exchange for receiving an apartment from him after his death. When he became the old man's proxy on this basis, he sold the apartment to himself on his behalf and gave the old man to a social welfare home on the other side of the country. He didn't include this apartment in his tax return - journalists discovered it.
Additionally, he wrote history books under a pseudonym and used it to praise the candidate's intellect, i.e. his own.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
So, basically this meme?
His name is Karol Nawrocki, right? Currently reading a bit about him and his party. Oh boy.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
One thing I found interesting about the recent months is that Trump's current actions have had a noticeable effect on the political landscape of the Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The respective conservative parties (just like in many other countries worldwide at the moment) were polling really well and basically were guaranteed to succeed. Due to the US, the liberal/progressive parties in these countries got an enormous boost, enough to overtake the conservatives.
Unfortunately the same doesn't seem to be happening in the non anglophone countries. Germany for example still has the AFD being enormously popular, despite now being classified as a right wing extremist endeavor. It does make sense in a way, since I'd assume most people are just thinking "who cares what happens in the US, that doesn't affect my life" and thus are only bothered with their own domestic politics. Annoyingly, despite what we'd like to think, what's happening in the US has a tendency to happen in the EU as well, or at the very least Germany is prone to that influence.
Unfortunately the same doesn't seem to be happening in the non anglophone countries. Germany for example still has the AFD being enormously popular, despite now being classified as a right wing extremist endeavor. It does make sense in a way, since I'd assume most people are just thinking "who cares what happens in the US, that doesn't affect my life" and thus are only bothered with their own domestic politics. Annoyingly, despite what we'd like to think, what's happening in the US has a tendency to happen in the EU as well, or at the very least Germany is prone to that influence.
JudasMyGuide
The incorrigible papist
@Azas , you might be pleased to hear that my country is currently within the process of changing the legislation so that public support of Communism will be considered a criminal offence, same as with Nazism. We'll see whether it will pass, but it certainly could and I don't know a single person here who won't welcome it.
Azas
Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs
Nice. Don’t mess it up, ok?@Azas , you might be pleased to hear that my country is currently within the process of changing the legislation so that public support of Communism will be considered a criminal offence, same as with Nazism. We'll see whether it will pass, but it certainly could and I don't know a single person here who won't welcome it.
Communism is just as evil as Nazism. Scumbags—there’s no other word for them. And that’s not just my opinion. That’s a fact.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
Dark day for Europe, another fascist gained power. It's insane how close Nawrocki's win was.
Batman
Evening The Odds.
Yeah and all of that after media broke the news that some witnesses seen that he was providing Hmm… men with nice and paid companionship from young woman in hotels when he was young.
But to be honest - competing candidate campaign was awful. While Nawrocki team was using focus groups, multiple channels, advanced segmentation, AI for analytics etc. Trzaskowski team was almost doing nothing. While Nawrocki was talking about his voters problems Trzaskowski was almost like „if you dont vote for me that mean that you are stupid and immoral because I’m awesome’ - that is the vibe that even people from his party got.
Azas
Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs
Oh, I’m hearing echoes that Germany’s SPD wants to “deal” with Russia, that Europe doesn’t need to rearm, and so on. Meanwhile, Russia is clearly working overtime behind the scenes—or maybe those who signed the manifesto are just useful idiots. Leftist scum gonna scum. Always.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
The words "SPD" and "Leftist" have no business in the same post. The SPD is not, and has never claimed to be, leftist. Words have meanings, learn to use them properly before (to borrow one of your favorite phrases) judging others from your ivory tower
Last edited:
Azas
Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs
Do you secretly love-hate me? 
I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist responding to my post—no way you’d ignore it. I knew it, ha ha.
As for leftism, I actually asked ChatGPT for a classic definition—and also why, in many countries, “leftism” carries such strong negative connotations:
"Leftism traditionally refers to a broad range of political ideologies that prioritize social equality, workers’ rights, redistribution of wealth, progressive taxation, environmentalism, civil liberties, and expansion of public services like healthcare and education. It often challenges entrenched power structures—whether economic (corporations, the wealthy elite) or cultural (racism, patriarchy)—in the name of justice and inclusion.
At its core, leftism has historically included:
This change isn’t rooted in a single cause, but rather a complex combination of cultural shifts, political polarization, media narratives, and social media amplification.
Leftism today is both a battleground of competing meanings and a lightning rod for social anxieties. While many still see it as a force for justice, equity, and progress, others perceive it as a source of division, overreach, and moral authoritarianism. The truth lies somewhere in the tension—between its ideals of solidarity, and the messy, evolving reality of 21st-century politics.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***
I think it gave a pretty good answer. For me, the sixth point hits closest to home. And I have to say, I appreciated the mention of “virtue signaling”—which, in my opinion, you like to do.
So yeah, it’s clear that you and I definitely attach different meanings to “leftism.”
And those who signed this latest manifesto in Germany—clearly aiming to sabotage things for Merz—are definitely on the left of the political spectrum. They want to keep doing business with russia, they don’t want Europe to wake up, and they certainly don’t want Germany to have a strong military. Spineless, appeasing scum. They’re working against the interests of their own country—and of Europe as a whole.
Leftists are just as sickening as the far right—just in a different manner.
I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist responding to my post—no way you’d ignore it. I knew it, ha ha.
As for leftism, I actually asked ChatGPT for a classic definition—and also why, in many countries, “leftism” carries such strong negative connotations:
"Leftism traditionally refers to a broad range of political ideologies that prioritize social equality, workers’ rights, redistribution of wealth, progressive taxation, environmentalism, civil liberties, and expansion of public services like healthcare and education. It often challenges entrenched power structures—whether economic (corporations, the wealthy elite) or cultural (racism, patriarchy)—in the name of justice and inclusion.
Classic Definition of Leftism:
At its core, leftism has historically included:
- Socialism: Public ownership or regulation of key industries.
- Welfare state ideals: Strong safety nets for the poor and vulnerable.
- Labor support: Trade unions, workers’ rights, living wages.
- Secularism: Separation of church and state.
- Anti-authoritarianism: Resistance to centralized power (though far-left movements can ironically produce authoritarian outcomes, e.g. under Stalin or Mao).
Why Leftism Now Has Strong Negative Connotations in Many Countries:
This change isn’t rooted in a single cause, but rather a complex combination of cultural shifts, political polarization, media narratives, and social media amplification.
1.
- Many now conflate modern leftism with “woke” culture, emphasizing race, gender, sexuality, and historical grievances.
- Critics argue that it prioritizes symbolic language and behavior over material policy, and fosters a climate of censorship, moral policing, or hypersensitivity (e.g. cancel culture).
- Terms like “virtue signaling” or “performative activism” have become common mockeries.
2.
- In some countries, left-leaning parties are now associated with urban elites, academics, and celebrities who appear disconnected from working-class struggles.
- When those preaching equality enjoy wealth or cultural privilege, it can breed resentment—especially among blue-collar workers once courted by leftist parties.
3.
- Right-wing populists have successfully reframed leftism as a threat to tradition, jobs, and national identity, blaming progressive policies for migration, crime, and economic stagnation.
- This narrative resonates especially in regions where globalization, automation, or immigration are seen as eroding security.
4.
- In countries with strong nationalist or religious values, leftism is often seen as opposed to “traditional” family roles, national sovereignty, or religious norms.
- For example, support for multiculturalism or gender fluidity can be perceived not just as liberal, but as corrosive to a shared sense of identity.
5.
- Social media amplifies extreme voices, making radical or self-righteous leftist views more visible than moderate ones.
- Viral culture also highlights isolated absurdities (e.g. obscure academic jargon or fringe protests) and presents them as mainstream leftist thinking, which distorts perception.
6.
- In Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, “leftism” is still tainted by the memory of Communist regimes, authoritarianism, repression, or economic mismanagement.
- Even when modern leftist movements have no connection to Marxism-Leninism, they’re often tarred by that association.
Final Thoughts:
Leftism today is both a battleground of competing meanings and a lightning rod for social anxieties. While many still see it as a force for justice, equity, and progress, others perceive it as a source of division, overreach, and moral authoritarianism. The truth lies somewhere in the tension—between its ideals of solidarity, and the messy, evolving reality of 21st-century politics.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***
I think it gave a pretty good answer. For me, the sixth point hits closest to home. And I have to say, I appreciated the mention of “virtue signaling”—which, in my opinion, you like to do.
So yeah, it’s clear that you and I definitely attach different meanings to “leftism.”
And those who signed this latest manifesto in Germany—clearly aiming to sabotage things for Merz—are definitely on the left of the political spectrum. They want to keep doing business with russia, they don’t want Europe to wake up, and they certainly don’t want Germany to have a strong military. Spineless, appeasing scum. They’re working against the interests of their own country—and of Europe as a whole.
Leftists are just as sickening as the far right—just in a different manner.
Diesel 11
As you scream into the web of silence...
You have no idea what you're talking about.
Azas
Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs
I simply attach a slightly different meaning to it. Where I live—and for many others too—the term is generally used with an exclusively negative connotation.
Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
No, I just think it's important to point out the many mistakes you make.Do you secretly love-hate me?
Because you have absolutely no idea about any of these things. You've been corrected dozens of times but still continue to say the most braindead things.
Your post history is literally filled with virtue signaling. Almost every post of yours in any of the politics threads is exactly that. Hell, your earlier post about "Leftist scum gonna scum" is literally virtue signaling. I get that you are frustrated, that you feel powerless and weak, but you keep shadowboxing with strawmen instead of engaging with real human people.
It's not about "my" or "your" definition. It's about you having a fundamental misunderstanding of social democratic principles and applying your ill-thought out biases to political systems you have no idea about. You don't understand German politics, that's okay. You don't need to. But only an absolute moron would conflate the SPD with leftism. There are people who know better about their country than you do.
See, this is virtue signaling once again. You are frustrated and unhappy and you are lashing out to feel better, because it's the only thing you can do at this moment. You've been informed so many times that there isn't a single European country with a significant leftist leadership at the moment, let alone any where the current ruling party is leftist. So, you are raging at something that literally doesn't exist.
No worries, this won't turn into an endless back and forth. I'm simply informing you that your take was wrong and stupid. Do with that information what you will. I'll be back to correct you in a few weeks when you next feel the need to virtue signal your frustrations while making a fool of yourself by mischaracterizing political systems of other countries that you don't understand
Last edited:
GhostofCain
Ancient Mariner
He definitely does not know arse from elbow.
Azas
Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs
I’ll keep using the term “leftists” the way I always have. For example, those who throw paint on paintings—or block traffic by lying down in the streets—are leftists, in my view. And I mean that in a negative sense, not just as “on the left of the political spectrum.”