Castel Plage, Plagues and Politics
Castel Plage is a haven of peace this summer evening as Nice is ramping up for the spectacular Tour de France finale. Nestled at the foot of the castle, this is our favorite beach in Côte d´Azur, embraced with the poetic pink-blue sky, which is so inspirational and soothing.
Nevertheless, my thoughts bring us back to this exact time of the year, July 22nd in 2011. My daughter and I enjoyed watching a wonderful wedding at Castel Plage when we received the first messages of a severe terror attack in Oslo. As so many other Norwegians, I rushed home with the next possible flight. 77 people were killed in the bomb explosion next to Prime Minster Jens Stoltenberg´s office followed by a mass shooting on the island of Utøya, where young social democrats were attending summer camp to learn and practice politics. Our peaceful nation, the democratic oasis up north, is forever marked by this horrific event executed by an evil, rightist extremist. It became our “plague”.
The Norwegian native terrorist Anders Behring Brevik was inspired by other extremists, and he obviously stimulated other potential extremists in Europe. Only a few years later, grave terror happened here in Nice, near Castel Plage. A 19-ton cargo truck drove into the crowds of happy people on Promenade des Anglais who were celebrating Bastille Day on July 14th, 2016. We were all devasted by how terror and tragedy repeats itself. The Nice-attack resulted in the death of 86 people. This time the terrorist was a Tunisian living in France, again an individual representing tendencies in a more conflict-ridden world.
Albeit learning lessons and measures made in many countries to combat extremism, divisive forces and democratic antagonists are on the march. We have entered a dark time in modern European history, with political polarization, dismantling of democratic institutions and even brutal war in Ukraine. One of my reads here in France is Harvard professor Daniel Ziblatt´s “How democracies die”. He claims that democracies are threatened from within, by political leaders who misuse their power, paradoxically utilizing democratic principles and tools - to destroy democracy! Needless to say, Donald Trump is portrayed on Ziblatt´s list.
In a time of political crisis worldwide, we need to build a more forceful resilience. It is of vital importance that we use our intellectual and creative capability to refresh and renew democratic ideals. We need to refresh political institutions and decision-making processes and we need to be much more inclusive.
With this in mind, during the past three years, I have therefore spent my time leading a democracy project in Norway where we engage people on the ground across the country to address the many existential challenges we face as societies; spanning from climate change, environmental damages and social inequality to political polarization and the radical impacts of AI. We have especially endeavored to mobilize unheard voices, activists and Norwegian youth. Supported by a unique coalition of media, business, research and philanthropy the program series documents how especially important it is to engage and involve young people.
While my generation grew up with optimism and economic growth, peace and prosperity, my children’s generation is facing a whole different world of uncertainty and anxiety. Through live sessions south, east, west and north in Norway we have been able to tell stories from so many inspiring, and intelligent people, creative souls with high integrity. They are willing to contribute for the greater good. Young people really want to make a difference.
We should expect no less from democratically elected political leaders. However, reality is the opposite. Political leaders are too often in the game for their own gains and personal agenda. The fact that French National Front party last minute was prevented from winning the snap election here in France is a temporary relief for President Macron. No one knows if this a moment of calm before the next storm of political chaos.
This summer I´m back in Nice to study and understand what´s going on and explore how we as citizens in Europe may act to nurture the good old democratic spirit. I believe in less confrontational public debates and more honest, direct dialogues where we really listen to what people have to say. I find that so many people my husband and I meet on our journey this summer yearn for the same thing.
The people of Nice are optimistic and excited about the Tour de France finale with the famous yellow finish line ending here for the first time. It is amazing how sports bring people together. The iconic Promenade des Anglais is fully decorated and ready for this formidable and joyous sports event. Let´s hope it all goes well and that we may celebrate what unites people and brings hope for the future.
