The primary objective of this event is to develop recommendations that empower the European liberal movement to confront the rise of populist radical-right politics.
The political landscape across Europe has transformed significantly in recent years, with populist radical-right parties gaining substantial traction. They have effectively leveraged social, geopolitical, economic, and climate uncertainties to offer a nativist narrative, offering voters a sense of security and belonging. The primary objective of this event is to develop recommendations that empower the European liberal movement to confront the rise of populist radical-right politics. To achieve this, we leverage academic insights as well as successful strategies from progressive movements. We are committed to fostering a politics of hope against a politics of fear, aiming to reconnect liberal politics with the heart of society.
19:00 Welcome dinner
Bratislavská reštaurácia (“Flagship”), Námestie SNP 8
09:00 Walk from the hotel to the venue
09:30 Opening remarks and Introduction of the event
Speakers:
09:45 Introduction of participants, setting goals for the event
10:00 The role of civil society and liberal political forces in Slovakia
Speaker: Zuzana Prostredníková, international officer and protest organizer, Progressive Slovakia
To get to know the host country, we will highlight recent events in Slovakia, so that participants learn more about the situation in the host country, as well as use it as an example to build on.
10:30 Society where everyone belongs
Facilitator: Peter Bátor, Director, Inštitút Martina Filka
Speakers:
The practical interactive session will consist of these parts:
Different European societies are divided along different lines: ethnicity, religion, education, to name just a few. Populists and the far right are doing their best to exacerbate and exploit them. This session will focus on the role of liberals to make societies truly inclusive. We will present in greater detail both a Central-Eastern and Western European perspective on achieving this goal.
12:00 Lunch
Mille Baci, Námestie SNP 1
14:00 Keynote remarks and discussion
Speaker: Rastislav Káčer, Former Ambassador and Minister of Foreign Affairs, a founder of Globsec, Slovakia
A speaker with will share their experience and take on the topic. Participants will be invited to challenge them and contribute their thoughts and perspectives.
15:30 Responding to populist and far-right challenges
Moderator: Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
In this facilitated discussion participants will address the response to when those in power try to divide society, limit civil space and reduce their own accountability. Participants will identify the roles and tasks that political and civil society actors can take on.
19:00 Dinner
Bratislavský meštiansky pivovar, Dunajská 21
09:30 Talking to populists
Speaker: Martin Burgr, political strategist (successful presidential elections in Slovakia and Czechia, and dozens other at different levels in several countries)
In this moderated debate, followed by an interactive discussion we will focus on the practical liberal response. We will invite a strategist/academician to address populist and far-right narratives and discuss the most effective arguments, media and messengers to counter them.
10:15 Liberal opposition in Romania and Hungary
Speakers:
To continue the discussion topic of how liberals respond, we will give special attention to the situation in Hungary and Romania (just a week after the second round of the postponed presidential election).
11:30 Takeaways and evaluation
12:00 Lunch