Europe is attempting to regroup, as are all countries feeling threatened by the new world order imposed by Trump and his associates.
Beyond the obvious and significant issues, Trumpism has rapidly infiltrated nearly every facet of daily life.
Neo-conservatism, arrogance, rudeness, hatred, displays of power, and other emotions, obsessions, and behavioural attitudes emerge seemingly pre-packaged, threatening all balance, order, and cohesion.
Actions that previously would not have occurred—or if they did, would be considered isolated and condemnable—are increasingly gaining support, leading to their easy expression.
Yesterday, a Greek MP stormed the National Gallery, smashing display cases and destroying exhibits because he deemed them blasphemous. Nikos Papadopoulos, an MP for the “Niki” party and a doctor by profession, initially sent a ranting letter to both the gallery’s management and the Minister of Culture, demanding the exhibition be terminated.
When his demands were not met, he resorted to violence. Anything not aligning with his beliefs or aesthetics should not be expressed, in his view. And he would not merely express disagreement: violence replaces democratic procedures.
The exhibition, titled “The Charm of the Strange,” is centred around 80 etchings by Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1746–1828), presented alongside works by Greek artists, each exploring the absurd, grotesque, and monstrous through various methods.
Yet the MP’s act is the most grotesque of all. Thousands of citizens voted for him and likely will not condemn his actions. Instead, they may replicate such behaviour towards anything they dislike.
The MP’s actions followed an incident involving another MP in parliament. While Zoe Konstantopoulou was speaking, New Democracy MP Dimitris Kyriazidis shouted from his seat: “Have a child or adopt one”.
This is not the first instance of male politicians showing disdain toward female colleagues. However, this dismissive attitude now has many supporters.
It is no longer an isolated event; rather, it reflects a mindset that women should prioritise childbirth over active public roles.
Verbal and physical attacks are becoming a lifestyle. Following the Oval Office meeting scene between Trump and Zelenskyy, authoritarianism, rudeness, and displays of power have become officially normalised. It is astonishing how quickly paranoia spreads.