DK: Social democrats seek to address people’s anxiety, uncertainties

Dobrev told the conference on the future of social democracy, the radical right and populism in Europe and Hungary that right-wing populism, radicalism and illiberalism had become a “massive threat” in the past decade, for the first time since WWII. She pointed to a shift in recent decades from the security, justice and equality that “dominated” Europe in the second half of the 20th century as young people came to the realisation that they wouldn’t have it any easier in 5-10 years, and that their lives had become more uncertain than that of their parents or grandparents. Fears of climate change, digitalisation and artificial intelligence have added to that uncertainty, she added.

Dobrev said the goals of the left wing and social democrats had not changed: “They still want a more just, more equal and more fair society”. “The state must take the side of the weak and the vulnerable, intervening where there is injustice,” she added.