Going to EU elections to limit freedom of expression

Published 14 May 2024 at 11.24

EU. “Hate crimes” at EU level, increased focus on the Holocaust and sanctions against member states that “violate the principles of the rule of law”. These are the Moderates' priorities before the elections to the European Parliament.

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The Moderates' top candidates in the European elections, Tomas Tobé and Boriana Åberg, presented the party's election promises at a press conference on Monday .

A total of six proposals were presented “so that democracy in the EU can be strengthened and to defend European values”.

“European values” must be defended by all member states “committing themselves to an integration policy that requires newly arrived groups to respect democracy and the rights of minorities”.

No countries that violate the principles of the rule of law or hunt minorities should be allowed to share in EU funds. pic.twitter.com/rlBASusnbB

— The moderates (@the moderates) May 13, 2024

The moderates also want to earmark more EU funds for “knowledge-raising initiatives about the Holocaust”. The funds must primarily go to cities or regions that “have major problems with anti-Semitism”.

Furthermore, the party wants a “strengthened rule of law mechanism” in the EU so that budget funds do not go to countries that “violate the principles of the rule of law or undermine democracy”. It is right-wing countries such as Hungary and formerly Poland, which say no to multiculturalism and LGBTQ, that suffer from this type of sanctions.

According to M, hate crime should become an EU crime “because it is a particularly serious crime that undermines both freedom and security in the EU and affects both individuals and entire societies”.

The party's top candidate Tomas Tobé states that the European elections are a ” choice of values” and that “European values” must be defended in order to counteract, for example, anti-Semitism.

– We unfortunately see how anti-Semitism has increased in Europe after the Hamas terrorist attack last year. Therefore, the Moderates believe that the EU must do more to ensure the protection of minorities and fundamental values. For example, all EU countries should commit to pursuing an integration policy that makes clear demands on newly arrived groups to adapt to our values, says Tomas Tobé.

Even Boriana Åberg, who is fifth on the party's ballot, emphasizes that “democracy” in Europe must receive stronger protection.

– No countries that violate the principles of the rule of law or hunt minorities should be allowed to share in EU funds. We must strengthen the rule of law mechanism so that we ensure that Swedish tax funds do not fatten leaders who dismantle democracy, says Boriana Åberg.