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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Elections & Politics

Reclaiming National Symbols

From Der Standard · (1d ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The article argues that liberals and democrats must more effectively address national identity to counter the rise of the radical right.
  • It notes that while right-wing parties have gained power globally, there have also been significant electoral victories against them in countries like Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands.
  • The piece suggests that national symbols and identity provide a sense of security and self-worth for many people.

Recent political shifts, including Pรฉter Magyar's electoral success in Hungary, underscore a critical point for DER STANDARD: the need for liberal and democratic movements to reclaim and effectively articulate national identity. The rise of the radical right is undeniable, but it is not an unstoppable tide. Victories against right-populist incumbents in Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands demonstrate that a robust counter-narrative is possible.

Not only Pรฉter Magyar's election victory in Hungary shows: Liberals and democrats must address national identity more strongly.

โ€” Filip Milaฤiฤ‡Introducing the core argument about the necessity for liberal and democratic forces to engage with national identity.

For many citizens, national identity offers a vital sense of security and belonging, particularly in times of uncertainty. This is not inherently a domain exclusive to the right; it is a fundamental human need that must be addressed by all political forces. Ignoring or dismissing the importance of national symbols and collective self-worth allows the radical right to monopolize this crucial aspect of political discourse.

Many seek security and self-worth in it.

โ€” Filip Milaฤiฤ‡Explaining the psychological appeal of national identity for individuals.

DER STANDARD believes that embracing and redefining national identity, rather than ceding it, is essential for democratic resilience. This involves acknowledging the legitimate desire for community and tradition while championing inclusive, forward-looking values. The EU flag, for instance, can and should be seen as part of a broader, positive national narrative, not as a contradiction to it.

The strengthening of the radical right is a fact. In the same period, however, there were also important electoral victories against right-populist and nationalist incumbents: Brazil in 2022, Poland in 2023, the Netherlands in 2025 and most recently Hungary a few days ago.

โ€” Filip Milaฤiฤ‡Providing evidence of both the rise of the radical right and successful opposition to it.

The challenge lies in crafting a compelling vision of nationhood that resonates with a broad spectrum of the population, one that offers security and pride without resorting to exclusion or xenophobia. By engaging with these themes directly and authentically, democratic forces can offer a more attractive and sustainable alternative to the divisive rhetoric often employed by the radical right.

The EU flag also belongs to this: The nation is an important collective for many people.

โ€” Filip Milaฤiฤ‡Illustrating how national symbols can be integrated into a broader, inclusive identity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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