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EU’s Tusk lashes out at Putin on democracy
OSAKA, Japan, June 28, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – EU President Donald Tusk on Friday
lashed out at his Russian counterpart in unusually undiplomatic language,
saying he “strongly disagreed” with Vladimir Putin when he said liberalism
was “obsolete.”
In an interview with the Financial Times, the Kremlin strongman said the
“liberal idea has become obsolete” and was now “in conflict” with what people
around the world want.
Tusk joked to reporters that he had been able to read the entire interview
due to jet-lag but quickly turned serious as he bashed Putin’s comments.
“I have to say that I strongly disagree with the main argument that
liberalism is obsolete,” Tusk said.
“Whoever claims that liberal democracy is obsolete also claims that
freedoms are obsolete, that the rule of law is obsolete and that human rights
are obsolete,” added the EU president.
These are “essential and vibrant values” for Europeans, said Tusk, hitting
out again at Russia.
“What I find really obsolete are authoritarianism, personality cults, the
rule of oligarchs, even if sometimes they may seem effective,” said Tusk.
The feisty comments fitted the tone of this year’s G20 meeting in Osaka
where leaders are expected to clash over trade, foreign policy and climate
change.
US President Donald Trump already attacked friend and foe alike on domestic
soil before flying to Osaka but appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone
upon arrival, predicting a “very successful day.”
BSS/AFP/RY/08:30 hrs