Last Sunday, the German election sent shockwaves through its political system. Although the Christian Democratic Union won, it must now navigate a fragile coalition, while the AfD’s strong second-place finish reflects the growing frustration of its voters. As economic struggles, migration, and social tensions grow, how long can the political establishment ignore the heightening demand for change?

“The abuse of charges of disinformation by the media and the executive branch is bad enough, but its use by the courts to overturn an election marks a dangerous escalation. It is intensely divisive, threatens trust in Romania’s judiciary and the intelligence community, and undermines the possibility of any sort of consensus around national security. Above all it is an intolerable intrusion upon the political rights of the disfavored candidate and his voters.”