Alessio Giussani

With their overly simple language and polarising messaging, politicians often fail to capture the contradictory realities of life, especially in times of crisis and transformation. Can arts and culture fill the gap that politics leaves and connect people to complex ideas, foster dialogue, and inspire action? An interview with Lucile Schmid, founder of France’s Prix du Roman d’Écologie, and Ladislav Miko, president of Czechia’s EKOFILM festival.

This year, the 50th anniversary of the death of dictator Francisco Franco, Spain’s progressive government launched its Cultural Rights Plan. This 200-page document aims to transform Spanish cultural policy by redefining it through a human rights perspective.

In its relatively short lifespan, the Green movement has developed a credible alternative to Europe’s more established political traditions. On the back of their electoral victories, Green parties have become part of the democratic system. But as multiple crises and reactionary tides have pushed them out of power, they need to address the unresolved tensions around their movement-party identity, and put people at the centre of their political project.