Maria Syrengela, MP for West Athens and member of the Greek delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, representing the European People’s Party in the debate “Violence and Hate Speech against Politicians: A Danger for Democracy” during the plenary session in Strasbourg.
“Many Members of Parliament have been subjected to threats, insults, harassment and aggressive targeting both in public life and online. Too often, disagreement turns to hatred, and we know that hatred can easily turn to violence. Despite the lessons of the past, populism still exists and we are seeing it emerge again, not only in Europe but around the world,” she said.
She also referred to the personal attacks she has received, with her children as the recipients: “I too have been a victim of hate mail. I even received comments on social media wishing for the death of my children. No parent, no public figure should ever have to face such cruelty. When political hatred turns into attacks on families and children, we need to recognize how deeply corrupted our public discourse has become.”
Finally, he stressed the need for Europe to act collectively, both by pushing social media platforms to take action and by politicians themselves who must resist such practices: “First, online platforms must act responsibly and transparently against coordinated hate campaigns, threats and incitement to violence. Second, we politicians ourselves must lead by example. Words matter. If we tolerate demonisation, we should not be surprised when extremism follows. Let us defend democratic dialogue without accepting violence. Let us ensure that future generations inherit a politics shaped by ideas, not by intimidation.”
