Editorial: Europe’s opportunity

Ever since hsi election in 2016 Donald Trump showed signs of an undemocratic stance and behaviour.

A host of actions and choices of the US president showed that he disputed democratic mores and sought to effect changes that would facilitate authoritarian and unchecked governance.

Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and others was indicative of his intentions.

He was charmed by the ability to wield power in a manner that was not transparent or checked and that was not characterised by accountability.

His stance toward tax authorities and the press demonstrated his contempt for the rules of the democratic form of government.

That is why for four years he governed America by spewing endless lies, displaying a penchant for conspiracy theories, and doubting science with incredible audacity.

Mr. Trump turned disinformation into a science, denied the principle of freedom of the press, an systematically attacked historic and traditional newspapers and media that have often proven their mettle in battles to remain independent.

He engaged in an unprecedented propaganda war against his political opponents based on conspiracy theories and thus directly fueled tensions and deep divisions that culminated in the recent aberration at the US Capitol.

During last year's presidential campaign the common conviction was that Trump if he were re-elected was prepared for institutional interventions that would allow him to govern in an authoritarian manner and to circumvent the checks and balances that are a crucial characteristic of American democracy.

He was preparing to achieve his objectives with the belief that he would again be able to dupe the American people and advance his...