On 7 May, ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen joined the online interview series by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation to discuss European and international solidarity during times of crisis and the possible measures to prevent this health crisis from happening again, among others.

In the interview, van Baalen praised the positive and democratic approach that EU countries tackling this difficult situation have adopted. He also highlighted the importance of showing solidarity with hard-hit countries, such as Italy and Spain, and noted that it is necessary to think about strategies, like a possible ‘European Marshall Plan’, to help Europe’s economies where necessary. It is in the global interest to work together for a more prosperous future, van Baalen reminds.

While populist governments in Hungary and Poland have misused the COVID-19 crisis to implement undemocratic laws and limit people’s freedoms, van Baalen remains hopeful and believes that illiberal democracies will not survive in the long run.

You can re-watch the interview here.

Corona and the World – What is the liberal approach? https://t.co/KPzBShK7oO