The impact of influential people and political parties on important issues
Looking back on 2024, Elon Musk and his impact on the global stage, political developments in the Netherlands and the war in Ukraine come to mind. These and other topics were discussed in ‘De Jortcast’, a podcast hosted by Jort Kelder on Dutch radio offering ‘radio therapy against hypes and hysteria’. Wim Voermans, Professor of Constitutional Law, was a recent guest.
As the richest man in the world, Musk has great influence (Tesla, SpaceX) in corporate America, but he is now also viewed as a global threat to democracy. One example is his call to vote for the right-wing AfD party in Germany. Professor Voermans calls his behaviour a sign of ‘masculinism. The man has more satellites than all the superpowers put together.'
PVV party leader Geert Wilders called for the resignation of mayor Femke Halsema, following disorder at protests in Amsterdam against the war in Gaza. This was contrary to the framework agreement reached between the four coalition parties in February 2024. On this topic, Professor Voermans says that the Constitution must be safeguarded and our mayors must be left alone.
Voermans speaks of a ‘call to arms’. The war in Ukraine has prompted a call for greater commitment and investment in defence, aimed at strengthening national security and preparing for possible geopolitical conflicts. This is all related to growing security concerns in Europe and the rest of the world. NATO chief Mark Rutte also recently warned that we must consider the threat of possible war which is even fuelling interest in home emergency kits.
More information?
Listen to the full broadcast (in Dutch) of De Jortcast
Photo: Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash