Anna Donáth: Only together can we build a successful future for our countries

Liberal solidarity and diversity

Only together can we build a successful future for our countries. This is the most important message for all EU citizens. I believe we must take bold actions together but at the same time, we must also learn from our past mistakes. When we focus on diversity, we should remember that for many, this road has become impassable, poisoned by hatred, envy, exclusion, and corruption. And yet, we must believe in a future where politicians do not just fight each other but try to work together to clear up grievances in our societies. We should believe in a future where there is love instead of hatred and inclusion instead of exclusion. I firmly believe in a future where it is not a crime to be born into a group outside the mainstream.

At Momentum, we have been abiding by the principle of "nothing about them without them". This underscores the importance of inclusivity in building a better future for all citizens, regardless of political or social differences. Without the participation and involvement of all members of society, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or excluded, it is impossible to create a truly democratic and equitable society where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to thrive.

However, we must remember that solidarity and diversity are not created by force, but through stories that are adopted by more and more sections of society as their own. Despite appearances, Viktor Orbán in particular has not built his own camp by force. He quickly realized that a nationalist ideology built on grievances, the constant false struggle to see external enemies, proved to be one of the most effective methods of “community-building”. Yet, we all know: that the future of a nation cannot be built on grievances. Viktor Orbán's story is a good one for mobilizing his own camp from election to election, but it is not a good one for making a country a stronger and happier nation. We must recognize that building a better future for all citizens requires leaders who prioritize the well-being of their entire community instead of using divisiveness and fear-mongering tactics to maintain power.

In Hungary, the Fidesz government has targeted minority groups for the past 12 years, employing derogatory narratives against the Roma, criminalizing homelessness, and restricting LGBTIQ+ rights. Similarly, in Poland, the ruling party has enacted policies, like the near-total abortion ban, that disproportionately affect minorities. Illiberal policies erode constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties, allowing governing parties to exploit vulnerable groups for political advantage and undermine liberal democracy and the rule of law. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to recognize the negative impact of such policies on vulnerable groups and the long-term implications of targeting minority populations. True democracy and equality can only be achieved when all members of society are included, supported and their voices heard.

For example, Hungarians will only become a cohesive nation if we build an alternative to Fidesz's fabricated story and focus on the solidarity of the people living here, on the unity of those who made themselves known in countless communities, both large and small, and who proudly carry their memories, traditions, and values. A story that does not rely on lies and insults to others, but on the common aim to build a happier nation.

As political leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that the narration of our common history is guided not by false nationalism, not by collective hatred, not by the senseless passing on of a proven false narrative, but by the goodwill of those living here, working for cooperation and responsible solidarity. It is also our duty as policymakers and politicians to speak up for those who are discriminated against, mistreated, or whose voices are silenced.

Diversity is vital for a thriving, effective democracy. To genuinely represent our society's varied interests, we must support candidates with diverse experiences and perspectives, allowing them to connect with various voter segments and address community issues effectively.

In light of this, as responsible leaders in politics, it is our duty to seek out and support diverse candidates – those belonging to ethnic minorities or marginalized groups whose voices are often ignored in mainstream discourse. By doing so, we can create a level playing field where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of race or class; ultimately paving the way for sustainable progress towards equality within society.

However, diversity is not just about policy outcomes - it is also about building solidarity in society. When we have diverse candidates who can share their stories and experiences with voters, it helps to break down barriers and build empathy between different groups.

By hearing the stories of people from different backgrounds, we can better understand their struggles and challenges, and we can see that we have more in common than we may have initially thought. Understanding people from different backgrounds helps us recognize our shared humanity.

Political establishments must grasp the importance of including all citizens, with diverse needs, views, ideologies, and beliefs, within government structures, ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard.

• Anna Donáth, MEP, Momentum, Hungary