The publication Politico announced anti-awards to European politicians in 2023

Politico published a list of the worst politicians and public figures in 2023. Politico’s Backhanded Awards – “Awards handed out behind the back” – a satirical anti-rating, which the publication compiles annually.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is called “the best” by Politico in the nomination “The German who pretends to be the president of Europe”. According to the publication, von der Leyen invariably “runs into a brick wall” in his political efforts, as he is unable to cope with the opposition of politicians from other EU countries, as well as high-ranking European officials, such as the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

Borrell himself was awarded the anti-prize: Politico awarded him the “Borat prize for diplomacy.” Comparing him to the hero of the movie “Borat”, the publication claims that Borrell’s many diplomatic statements make him perceive him as a comic figure. In particular, he called for peace talks where they are clearly unacceptable for all parties to the conflict: in Ecuador after the assassination of one of the presidential candidates and in Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7. He was also reminded of the promise to start delivering fighter jets to Kiev shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (these deliveries have not yet begun).

“Prize for the best role of a Russian, played by a Russian” is awarded by Politico to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The publication mentions that Putin, despite his anti-Western statements, is still looking for ties with Europe, using his “friends” in the EU, such as Hungary, Austria and Bulgaria, and hopes to improve relations if he takes enough time.

The Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis received the special award “Life of others – for espionage”. Despite the scandal connected with the surveillance of opposition politicians and journalists by special services, he and his New Democracy party still won the parliamentary elections in May, and Mitsotakis retained the prime minister’s chair.

Italian Prime Minister George Melona was called “the best hobbit in the role of a fascist” by Politico, citing her youthful fascination with J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, which is characteristic of many young far-rights in Italy. However, the publication notes, in the role of head of state, Melona turned out not to be such a “neo-fascist” as many analysts described her, and she conducts her policy in full accordance with all-European aspirations. “Frodo would be proud,” writes Politico.

Anti-premium “How dare you!” in the name of Greta Thunberg, Politico awarded the eco-activist Greta Thunberg herself – for continuing her uncompromising speeches. True, in 2023, Thunberg was noted not for fighting for climate policy, but for accusing Israel of “genocide” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Thunberg did not condemn the actions of Hamas itself. Because of Thunberg’s position, many former supporters turned away from her, Politico clarifies.