The success of two reactionary parties in yesterday's Finnish general election probably owes as much to a reaction against the sitting government in difficult times as it does to a reversion to ultra-conservatism. However, it is worrying that another authoritarian government will take its place alongside Poland and Hungary in the EU. The saving grace is that Finland will continue to stand alongside her new NATO partners against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Danger signs are disenchantment with the EU and with green policies within the potential coalition parties.
There is a clearer illiberal trend in Israeli politics as the Netanyahu government approves the establishment of an equivalent to Iran's revolutionary guard corps. This will not only lead to increased violence in the region but also suffering by Israel's poorest as other state budgets are raided to provide funds for the new body.
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