Editorial: La Vanguardia

• The assassination attempt on the Slovak PM, Robert Fico, is a blow to Europe, its values, and principles.
• A growing trend of violence in European politics is emerging, posing a threat to democracy.
• Despite Fico's anti-European policies, he was democratically elected.
• There have been various attacks on elected officials in Germany, Sweden, France, and Spain.
• A spiral of attacks for political reasons is becoming a reality, with a potential contagion effect of violence.
• Extremists and neo-Nazi groups are behind many of these attacks.
• Extreme political polarization and radicalization are fueling this increase in violence.

Conclusion: Europe cannot allow its polarized politics turn into violence, and must address this political violence before confronting other challenges. Hate speeches and populism are a grave threat to European democracy.

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