The specter of populism is circling Europe.
The elderly will unmistakably recognize the model sentence of the one you have just read. But the paradox is that Marx's first sentence from the Manifesto awakened hope in the readers of that time, while this one with "populism" instead of "communism" awakens the darkest forebodings and fears. Although populism may be more jovial in media civilization, it is no less dangerous.
The Czech elections and the defeat of the populists there show that the populists are not invincible, writes the New York Times. Although the Czech opposition has been tailored almost according to the Montenegrin recipe since August 30, they will have less trouble, because the Czechs clearly know who they are, so at least they will avoid identity disputes.
Often, when you see the ways in which the leaders of Russia, Hungary or Serbia manipulate, politically and emotionally with their citizens, while devastating their own societies, you think that a time machine has been found after all. It works in an unusual way, but it works.
Putin is a farcical historical replica of Nicholas I Romanov (reigned from 1825 to 1856), and that is the tsar who gave Russia the title of "European policeman", and who had no problem sending 250.000 soldiers to Hungary to help Franz Joseph. Who, again, did not mind being part of the coalition that defeated Russia in the Crimean War eight years later.
Just as Vučić is a funny replica of the illiterate mahler Miloš Obrenović, with his verbal unconventionality. "The people" feel like a child trying not to anger a good parent. He protects us, they say. There is much to love you, if you love me, he says. And people are happy and satisfied.
The problem is that in order to reach such a subject you have to kill everything human, everything personal, everything creative in him. Then you're left with zombies, with whom you can win, but you can't do anything. Especially not society. It is the last stage of any populism.
Montenegro does not have a good experience with populism. The AB revolution of 1989 (which gave us key political players for the next three decades) was a classic populist orgy. But let's look at an attractive current example, a eloquent populist study from home.
The minister, a financial wizard, called what he is doing now with a lot of fanfare and big words in May - unsustainable populism? Is it possible for something to become something else in a few months? What he then called populism is now the basis of the so-called new optimism radiating from part of the government.
Let me clarify right away: I do not have the economic knowledge necessary to make a coherent judgment about whether the proposed measures are valid or not. So I'm not writing about that. And there's no doubt that I'd like it to be a viable story that people's wages can be increased that much. That would be great - that knowledge and skill would deserve the highest possible respect. But is this possible in a country where even the allowance for mothers was allegedly not economically sustainable? Then we are talking about some semi-magical skills, because we are talking about a noticeable increase. With the best of hopes, I remain confused.
Populism, yes or no. Or is this a relative thing? That is, it depends on the point of view (a concept that is important in literature, but also in modern physics). Well, if you are, say, a responsible minister, then you know that (abolition of health care contributions) is not reality but populism. If, on the other hand, you are the projected leader of a new political force that needs momentum and a positive connection to a new face, then it is not populism. Rather - a well-thought-out strategy. And a clear account: there are so many health workers, and also educators, so if we significantly increase their salaries, there will be plenty of votes. Before the voting even starts. And when the minister was right, you will judge for yourself. On your own skin.
At the time when Đukanović was building his reputation, one of the popular expressions among apologists was - prime minister with a magic wand. As things stand, we are yet to meet David Copperfield.
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