Marek A. Cichocki: The Romantic Illusion of European Protests

The protests in European cities reflect a desire for radical renewal, with parties like AfD and National Rally gaining support. While some view the unrest as a sign of Europe's decline, others see it as a potential turning point. The chaos in France, symbolized by a viral AI-generated film of Charles de Gaulle restoring order, highlights this sentiment. However, there is a risk that the desire for change may lead to a mere consolidation of existing power structures rather than true transformation. The possibility of a deal between anti-establishment parties and traditional EU powers raises concerns about superficial reforms.