Visegrád 24 Post Accuses 'Suicidally Empathic Elites' of Endangering 'New Europe' with 'Hateful' Migrants

A recent social media post by Visegrád 24 has sparked controversy, asserting that "New Europe" is under threat from "extremists let in by the suicidally empathic elites." The tweet, posted by the influential account, claims these elites have "open the gates of the continent wide open to millions of resentful, hateful and ungrateful people who hate the Christendom and West." This highly charged statement reflects a growing, contentious narrative within European political discourse regarding immigration and cultural identity.

Visegrád 24 operates as a prominent right-wing social media platform, frequently disseminating content critical of liberal immigration policies and often accused of xenophobia and misinformation. Investigations have linked the account to Polish conservative figures, and it has gained significant traction by appealing to nationalist sentiments, particularly in Central and Eastern European countries. Its content frequently frames immigration as a threat to traditional European values and security.

Despite the strong anti-immigrant rhetoric from some political factions, Central and Eastern European (CEE) nations have, in reality, become significant recipients of legal immigration. Countries like Poland and Czechia rank among the EU's top recipients of legal newcomers, driven largely by economic growth and labor demand. These immigrants often fill critical workforce gaps, contrasting sharply with the narrative of unchecked, unwanted migration.

The "New Europe" concept, often championed by the Visegrád Group (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia), emphasizes national sovereignty and distinct cultural identities, frequently expressing skepticism towards Western European integration policies. Populist parties across the continent have effectively leveraged concerns about migration, framing it as a cultural and security crisis. This approach aligns with the tweet's assertion that "merry-go-arounds need to be protected from extremists," metaphorically highlighting a perceived vulnerability of traditional European life.

This polarizing rhetoric contributes to broader debates on European unity and the challenges of cultural integration. While concerns about security and social cohesion are legitimate, critics argue that such inflammatory language risks demonizing entire groups of people and undermining constructive dialogue on complex demographic and economic realities. The ongoing tension between perceived cultural threats and the economic necessity of immigration remains a defining feature of contemporary European politics.