Tag: Sofia Vasilopoulou

Breaching the social contract: why the success of Golden Dawn in Greece points to a crisis of democratic representation

Breaching the social contract: why the success of Golden Dawn in Greece points to a crisis of democratic representation

The Golden Dawn in Greece is a rare case of an electorally successful, violent and anti-democratic party in contemporary Europe. By comparing the political situation in Greece with that of Spain and Portugal, Daphne Halikiopoulou and Sofia Vasilopoulou demonstrate how support for the extreme right is not just driven by the economic crisis, but also relates to the breakdown of political trust, good governance and the perceived efficacy of the state.

The EU’s renegotiation plan represents a watering down of some of Britain’s demands

The EU’s renegotiation plan represents a watering down of some of Britain’s demands

After months of touring European capitals and several long days holed up in Downing Street, David Cameron, the UK prime minister, can finally reveal the fruits of his labour. Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has published a draft plan on renegotiating the UK’s place in the EU. This much-anticipated document, which makes it more […]

Newspapers focus on who MEPs are rather than on what they do in the European Parliament

Newspapers focus on who MEPs are rather than on what they do in the European Parliament

For the European Parliament to confer legitimacy on the EU’s legislative process it is necessary for voters to be aware of the actions taken by MEPs. But how do newspapers cover the work of the Parliament? Based on a study of newspaper coverage of 302 MEPs, Katjana Gattermann and Sofia Vasilopoulou write that the visibility of […]