Gozi: ‘Brussels must react, the Donald-Elon mix is frightening’

Renew MEP, it’s time for the EU to make important decisions, let’s abolish the veto.

For Renew Europe MEP and secretary-general of the European Democratic Party, Sandro Gozi, Donald Trump’s victory imposes a change of pace on Europe, especially in a global context such as the current one in which ‘it is in mortal danger if it does not wake up’.

Gozi, were you expecting this victory?

Honestly, not so much, and I think it was not a surprise only for me. However, I think there were shortcomings in the last part of Kamala Harris’ campaign. Especially in the face of Trump, who was able to play on the fears, discomfort and difficulties of middle-class Americans, especially white male voters.

What are these shortcomings?

I think Harris failed to clearly articulate to the middle class what her economic project was. She failed to respond effectively to Trump’s ‘you were better off with me’ message by pointing out that between the tycoon’s first presidency and now, there have been the Kovid and the war in Ukraine, not exactly two insignificant events. Then she failed to make an emotional connection with the part of the electorate on which her victory depended: a large part of the Hispanic population did not follow her, and a part of the black electorate preferred Trump.

What does this victory say to the left and to the democratic world, even outside the United States?

That our opponents on the right are now on the far right and are very difficult because they only work on fears and emotions. Trump has managed to show himself to be on the side of the weakest and to appear to be against the system, even though he is already president. The Democrats, on the other hand, have been perceived as close to the elites and distant from the middle class. This has cost them dearly, as we can see from the blue-collar vote in the swing states. I would add that treating potential voters of your opponents as Nazis, as some Democrats did in the last week of the campaign, is not exactly the best way to win new votes. Then there is another issue.

What is that?

It is very difficult to fight against the Trump-Musk duo. A disturbing fusion of populism and new high-tech capitalism. Trump lied constantly during the campaign and Musk used a platform that was supposed to be neutral, X, and all his financial power to amplify fake news. This mix of falsehood on the one hand and money and digital power on the other is really the most frightening aspect for democracy, in the US and elsewhere.

How will US-EU relations change?

I really hope that Europe wakes up this time. Because it risks a lot in this phase of global geopolitical and economic changes. The risk is very high, especially in view of a possible reorganisation of the world order in which the only protagonists could be Washington and Beijing. Europe could be crushed if it does not become a military and industrial power. The EU cannot expect to act with the necessary effectiveness and speed if it retains the right of veto and gives Orban the option of making the EU wait six months before sanctioning Russia or blocking sanctions against China. We need public and private investment and a revision of the Treaties. This is a time for big choices, but we must have the courage to make them.

Trump also won by promising to end the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, what do you think?

I think that if we were to stop the war in Ukraine today, we would be doing it on Putin’s terms, and I think that is unacceptable. Ukraine has the right to be independent, to be self-determined and to join the EU and NATO. It cannot be a dictator of another country deciding for its citizens. If Trump then uses the weight and will of the US for a solution that guarantees democratic principles and respect for Ukrainian independence, that would certainly be good news.

What about the Middle East?

I think Trump’s push could be positive with regard to the role of Saudi Arabia, after all he is the one who promoted the Abrahamic Accords. But let’s see what he does about Netanyahu’s desire to bring down the regime in Iran. He has not said anything about this yet, but it is the main issue in the region.