Can Europe Survive Trump? | Leading EU Politician & Strategist
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 апр 2025
- Are Trump and Putin carving up the world? How should the EU adapt to this new world? What imagination is needed on the political left?
Today we’re joined by Frans Timmermans to find out
Lovely interview.
Open, Honest, Transparent.
Very realistic and frank.
Excellent pod and guest speaker. Wish him the best of luck - he sounds like he would be a great leader
Extraordinary guest, Frans Timmermans. I love his straight talk, so refreshing.
Dear Frans Timmermans,
Like a modern Don Quixote, you charge forward, unwavering in your convictions, even as the political winds turn against you. Your optimism-noble, defiant, yet seemingly futile-resonates with those of us whose blood runs red with the ideals of justice, equality, and progress.
I sympathize deeply with your struggle, but I have seen firsthand how even the closest of kin can be swept away by the tides of right-wing extremism. My own son has strayed into the dark recesses of the FVD, ideological kin to Wilders, and no argument, no appeal to reason or decency, seems to bring him back to a better path. It is a battle fought not just on debate stages and in parliaments, but within families, across dinner tables, in the silence of estrangement.
Yet still, you stand, refusing to yield to despair. For that, I commend you. Keep tilting at those windmills-some of us still believe they can turn.
In solidarity.
I wonder whether, sometimes, even just changing the topic to something banal like your favourite sports match, is something we can do in these difficult times. These populists thrive because of estrangement, so keeping in contact with those seduced by it could, in the long run, be the path back for them. Maybe there is something in the tired old advice of only talking about 'your health and the weather'.
Power to the people 💪
Wow dit is echt fantastisch geschreven!
Ik ben 20 en heb op Timmermans gestemd. Mijn beste vriend van dezelfde leeftijd heeft in de afgelopen verkiezingen op Wilders gestemd. Gelukkig door de gekheid van Trump heeft hij gezien dat zulke chaotische ideeën niks opleveren in een democratische samenleving.
@@jordybandsma2645 @jordybandsma2645 It is good that you can stay in touch with your friend. Too many of us shy away from such differences and the risk there is that we relinquish any influence we have.
People who lean right like simple rhetoric that signals strength. Also hypocrisy is effective if you can frame it consisely. ' trump's border czar says there's limits to free speech and no one is talking about it' - stuff like that.
Thanks for having Frans Timmermans on. I am Dutch, and I voted for him.
Me too.
A remarkable man.
And this is why I live in Breda
This is one of the best interviews you've done recently. Frans seems like a really amazing politician, hopefully we can have a few people like him in the UK in the future. Self aware, pragmatic and very intelligent. A man I would vote for.
He is not so well received or liked here in The Netherlands, sadly.
I can vote for Frans, but I really don't.
@@maan8846 why not?
Can Australia have one too?
I would be interested in why...@@wmeer3544
I am a Dutch regular listener of this podcast and I appreciate that you're having our mildly unpopular but smart and misunderstood opposition leader on your program.
Love ❤️
Best description of Timmermans
why is he unpopular when he is clearly so insightful?
@@HomeFromFarAway I think it's because he has done a lot of things on a European level, and populists use that against him. A lot of people think of him as the architect of the Green New Deal, and therefore the source of current problems in the Netherlands (we have big problems with nitrogen, meaning tough choices need to be made regarding lifestock, housing and infrastructure, besides the more universal CO2 challenges). This is of course flawed reasoning, but it works wonders for the spin doctors of PVV, BBB and to a lesser degree other right wing parties
@bartelvandervelden9894 ah. thanks for the explanation! It makes a lot of sense. extremists and populists love a scapegoat for things that they can't solve themselves
I’m so impressed by this session. Thank you Rory and AC for introducing me to this fantastic speaker!
Amazing interview! Almost felt like i should be taking notes. Mr. Timmermans has a such refreshing political discourse.
Such a rare politician. Realistic and blunt about the threats we all face, yet incredibly optimistic about humanity’s potential. Another excellent discussion.
The man is simply WONDERFUL. Geweldig! Insightful, far-sighted, passionate, honest, articulate, constructive, wise. One of the best on Leading to date. 🎉❤😊
I came away with the same impression.
Communication skills are everything.
American politicians look like neanderthal neophytes next to this guest. ✌🏽
Wow! As an African, his last words hit me with so much force I couldn't help a tear. Such an honest pure human. A rare politician
My father was a politician and he always said to me that Africa needs it's chance and we as Europeans need to help but leave them to go their own way and that we won't lose if we do that. I hope with all my heart that this time will come soon for you.
@@fraukekoenig7122 The resources that continue to go to France for example. How will they live. Western Civilization has gotten rich & survived from Africa.
Frans Timmerman is so inspiring...such a great example of humanitarian values and clarity about how Europe arrived to the current reality.
Yes, congratulations to you both for interviewing a wonderful, well-rounded human being who has his ego under control.❤❤❤love to the truthtellers.
Never play chess with a pigeon because it will just knock everything over, shit on the board and then strut about like a winner
Don't try to teach a pig to sing. The pig won't like it and it doesn't work.
That is an excellent metaphor. 😂
I’m sure you can cut all ties with USA and they will be fine!
😂😂😂😂
That is a little harsh on Rory Stewart but I get where you are coming from
One of the very best interviews on this site. Excellent.
Well that was a treat. So refreshing to hear a politician give his own honest viewpoints.
So unusual!!! 👍
What a great bloke.
The most enthralling and interesting Leading episode I’ve seen.
It’s great that people like this exist in European politics.
Timmermans is woefully underrated. Thank you for having him! That was great!
He seems a very nice, articulate man, but if he's such an effective diplomat/politisian - Why didn't he, like Rory expect Trump to win last November? Why would anyone value his, (or Rory's for that matter) opinion on predicting any other future event?
I have been left leaning all my life, but Alistair seems not to realise just how much of the country loathes Keir Starmer. It beggers belief!!
@sarahmcdonagh2081 I think he, like Rory, couldn't begin to believe someone like that could be elected again. Like any sane person would.
@@sarahmcdonagh2081Blair lead the way with New Labour, which was hardly Labour at all. Starmer is treading in the same footprint, that’s all. Not a new idea in his head.
@@sarahmcdonagh2081 Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future! Attributed to Niels Bohr. Most predictions are wrong due to imperfect information. Like many leftists, Timmermans has an overly positive view of humanity, From that false assumption follows a false prediction. In other words, he's too decent to be able to predict something as undignified as that clown being elected, not just once, but twice.
@@sarahmcdonagh2081 prediction isn't the only measure of competence, fortunately.
This man understands Europe, politics and has great ideas on a way forward… his voice needs to be amplified and other countries and politicians need to listen
An amazingly engaging politician. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to someone so honestly enthusiastic about improving people's lives, instead of being afraid to speak.
If it wasnt for Hungary, we could have Frans as EU president. Would have liked that. Hope he will try again next term.
Brilliant dude. Probably the best I’ve seen on this podcast so far. Those Northern Europeans somehow know how to get you convinced. It’s the REAL common sense, not that loud nonsense their more powerful and large counterparts shouting around. And knowing 7 languages is just mind blowing 😊
I'm an American (albeit with some reservations), and as I listen to this conversation, I find myself rooting for Europe to truly find its footing in these crucial times. If you believe you have no power, then you don't. If you think you can't successfully push back against the evils of the day, then you won't. This isn't coming from an optimistic American or someone naïve about geopolitics, but from the belief that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. It's time to divest from America, as we are decaying from the inside out. We've been in a managed decline for years; I just hope that citizens in other countries understand that many Americans do not condone or support the actions of our current government.
People everywhere disagree with their governments and, as Frans said, our political systems which are worn out and outdated. Yet older systems seem more appropriate for today. Monopolies were identified and disallowed for the very reason that it results in ‘super rich’ individuals with too much power. Likewise, too much power at the top results in the Putins and Trumps we have now. No one person should be above the Law, nor LTD company, nor industry.
But let’s not forget, individuals have their power. No purchasers, no profit, no business. The more you have the more you have to lose.
I think the rot truly set in with Bush Jr, but nobody seems willing to talk about that...
Loved this interview so much - oh Franz ! We need more politicians like him. Love him.
Signed an Aussie in Melbourne
I am an exBrit in the Netherlands and I wish I had voted for this man in the last election. Dutch politics comes across as very dry and frankly quite boring but over the last year I have become more engaged and this man gets my next vote. It is strange how different to me he is English compared to Dutch…
Dry and boring can be great, if a nutter like Trump is the option. The "shooting stars" burn bright but short.
He is really extremely good. It felt devastating to me when the party he leads didn’t become the largest in the last election. He has ten times the heart for ordinary people that Wilders has (he’s from a relatively modest background too - not at all the normal type of diplomat the Dutch tend to produce), and is far more courageous than Wilders, who is most at ease sniping from the sidelines without producing any workable solutions of his own.
Timmermans could’ve been a great Dutch PM - he may yet become one, though many Dutch people apparently struggle to recognise quite how extraordinary he is.
@@legalal-p9z id say wilder is more courageous daring to speak against the islam while he is being declared free to kiII by many Islamic nations and then still deciding to speak to express his opinion about said ideology and why he dislikes it i mean it got multiple right wing people killed and he still remains true to his words
@@r.i.peperoniiiiroh9625 his unwavering criticism of the Islam is brave (I don't share his opinions regarding this), but he isn't courageous when it comes to general leadership. He is the de facto leader of the current government, but deflects any question about our current problems that he promised (easy) solutions to, he refuses to make the decisions that are necessary, but could make him impopular. So yeah, while I think it's horrible how he has to spend his life surrounded by bodyguards and in safehouses, he hasn't really done anything else to warrant praise and a lot to warrant criticism of (which also isn't that 'safe' to give, although luckily not life threatening)
This was really a breath of fresh air in the present extremely. distressing situation in Europe. Thank you for showing us that there are honest, just and rational politicians in this world. It keeps up the hope that we will weather this storm.
Frans Timmermans is the opposite of honest and just. He is a Pretender.
@@Tiasung did you actually watch the interview?
Absolutely fantastic interview. It seems all politicians are not the same and we need more like him.
Maybe there is something inherently pathological about politics. It does something horrifically corrupting.
Really enjoyable interview, probably my favourite so far and I love that he was honest enough to say that part of his frankness is that he is the opposition leader 👍
honesty in a politician makes my heart sing
I am completely smitten by Timmermans: he is articulating so well the kind of vision that we need in this country. He is articulate, smart as hell, reflective, clear, judicious. A grown up, in short.
Timmermans & Vestager, the best from the EU Parliament.
Great interview. What a breath of fresh air that guy is. Many thanks.
What a great show, brilliant. This is how europe is meant to work. We are all europeans. I am english but i am also european. We are all together and in this together
It was brilliant!
Trump has just encouraged to pull their weight. When Europe fronts 350 billion they will be on par with US contributions to Ukraine. US is still on board but Trump wants Europe to pull their weight.
@@thewealthofnations4827 Mate, that figure is a lie. Europe has given Ukraine a little bit more than the United States, not less. It's all publicly available with a quick search. Trump is lying to you non-stop. I think Europe should have contributed more than we have but I don't need to take Trump's outrageous lies at face value to think that.
@@thewealthofnations4827 Trump encouraged ?? stabbing in the back isn't encouraging. Stop believing Trump's lies :( 350 billion ?? you didn't even give half, and fyi, Europe IS on par with US support for Ukraine, and we'll outmatch you soon, as Trump's USA does not support Ukraine, but betrays it.
@@thewealthofnations4827 The European's have already supplied more aid to Ukraine than the US and it's a fraction of the $350bn your dear leader shouts about.
Bravo!! A fantastic interview by an experienced politician, who has deep awareness, incredible honesty and a sense of justice! Frans Timmermans’ analysis and words of clarity are so welcome, in this dark and scary moment of history, where we are struggling to make sense of incomprehensible daily political and social events. His voice must be heard and spread to the world! Thank you Alistair and Rory for bringing us this very special and inspiring interview 🙏
Frans, ik zou je zo graag vaker in Nederland willen horen. Als levenslange GL-stemmer hoop ik dat er een herkenbaar herbronde PvdA-stem in de politiek hoorbaar zal blijven, los van GL. Jij kan dat. Laat je niet door D’66 overstemmen.
D66 is ook ‘n middenpartij met veel overeenkomsten.
ik als VVDer zie hem wat minder zitten maar ja dat komt omdat ik 1 welvarend ben en 2 een bedrijf heb en volgens GL moeten bedrijven en rijken die 60 miljard gaan dokken voor groene energie terwijl dit ons afhankelijk gaat maken van communistisch china wat gewoon een heel heel dom idee is
verder ben ik het wel met GL eens dat SUV's ontzettend stom zijn en daar mag van mij echt wel wat aan gedaan worden
@ ik had het over een sociaaldemocratisch geluid.
It's fascinating how erudite and knowledgeable Timmermans is when he talks Europe, compared to a rather lacklustre performance domestically. I admire the man, but would love to see him back on the European stage.
He's excellent. So intelligent and knowledgable and with his age actually having the experiences he's had working behind the iron curtain, pushing deals through the EU in its infancy, he would be an amazing prime minister for my country.
Thank you!!! Great conversation. Keep defending democracy and Greetings from Chile!
Top guy, refreshing... he 'gets it'. Let's hope he can influence things in the EU.
Franz, thank you from a heartbroken American for your opinion, your outlook and your honesty.
Yes, listening to considered, well thought through reasoning from a politician is so refreshing weighed against the scarcely-coherent drivel from that political homunculus, Trump.
Frans Timmermans, what a remarkable politician and man.
There are few true Europeans but he is one of them.
Great to see Mr. Timmermans , not a fan of the Green Deal , but a fan of Timmermans , also I would like to thank him for his fight to keep my country on the democratic path . Greetings from Romania.
I wish we in US had such plain-speaking political leaders. Rory, I share your admiration for Bernie Sanders, and Frans Timmerman is my new crush, too.
I absoluty agree with this wonderful man. He seems to be so wellbalanced and utterly logical. Thank you Rory and Alister for bring him to you podcast!!! You three should get deeply into politics NOW. PLEASE!!!!
Hup Frans! In Nederland had ik je al lange tijd niet zo gehoord.
Hopefully he shows this side to voters
As a Scot this is Elephant in the room talk, wish British politicians would talk this way honesty.
Just so inspiring. A grown-up in the room of international politics. Thank you so much for offering that 'still small voice of calm'. I feel hope.
Franz is excellent. I am.delighted to hearnthe Hungarian ppl are pissed off with Orban. The sooner he is out of office, the better.
Hungary is one of the most intellectually developed countries in the EU and I'd like to see the Hungarian people being allowed to be seen in Europe. We need the IQ and the humor. Orban is a symptom of bad post soviet western European ambition and whatever this horrible internet decade did to critical thought. Looking forward to a Budapest without a bad leadership.
It is hard to put into words how much we despise him.
Seemingly people are waking up now. All I can hope it is not too late 😢
@@somateria well said. Hungary hasn't been able to get a fair election to get rid of the man.
@@somateria How is Hungary is one of the most intellectually developed countries in the EU?
Hugely insightful. Thank you 🙏
Hope the UK government can rebuild bridges with the Europeans and the EU at a time when all need to muster up as much military leverage as possible.
From Australia.....really really good interview.....most experienced and enlightened individual...best description of what needs to be done to win back confidence in democracy....
This man is so respected in our country. He would make us proud to have him as our presedent. My vote is yours. We love the honnesty
Fantastic guest. Great vision. We need more politicians like him in power.
What vision? Did he mention how to lower the cost of housing?
Another fantastic interview. I knew Timmermans by name but to hear his intelligent thoughts is inspiring. Vielen Dank
Rory and Alistair start our Australian morning conversations on many a day with interviews like this, they are a refreshing, intelligent insightful change to the awful blithering drivel of Australian Breakfast TV or the "over-woke" National Broadcaster, the ABC. For now, I'm thankful I'm in Australia not in the thick of it in Europe or the USA.
Radical honesty, this is what we need in our politicians. This is the only way for us to beat the populists.
I felt more optimistic after listening to Franz. What an astonishing podcast. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your contribution to giving us all some hope. Frans Timmermans is a great man and the two of you are doing an outstanding jobl.
I wish this man was our PM
I’m a great admirer of Timmermans, he speaks a lot of common sense. I’m a great supporter of The EU
Only 8 nations voted against the United Nation's resolution that today reaffirmed the UN's "commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine". They included the United States.
Hungary??
@@valeriapa280 Yes, Victor Orban is a long-time apologist for Russia.
@@valeriapa280 He is a fascist. The favorite of Trump.
@@richardoldfield6714 Ouch. Thanks!
@@valeriapa280 I relied on an incorrect list from elsewhere. In fact only 8 nations voted against the United Nation's resolution that today reaffirmed the UN's "commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine". They included the United States. I have amended my original post accordingly.
this man is brilliant and honest
I feld the last few months very down about what is happening in the world and wanted me to shut off from it but this is not a good thing to do because you become bitter but if I hear you speaking I feel a bit more positive and your inside in it all and your optimism has helped me.
Great interview. I am Dutch and I live in the UK. 👍
Thanks for getting this great guest
Great interview, candid and informed. Really enjoyed that.
This was a wonderful, inspiring message.. Thank you. Please have him on again in the future.
A podcast I always watch, with one of the best guests you have had for a long time
I totally enjoyed listening to you guys chat this was a brilliant session.
Five stars for this interviewee and thanks for the top quality content!
Frans Timmermann is one of Europeans greatest thinkers and politician….he has my greatest respect👌✌️🖖👏👍🫶🇩🇪
Nice mention of the British soliders resting in Dutch soil! Fairplay!
Happy to listen to this discussion after breaking out of the bubble and listening to Mearshiemer. Your guest is forthright yet humble. Rather rare in this day and age, not just in the public sphere but also in the private sphere. Thank you.
What an amazing interview with an impressive person.
Respect. He deserves more votes and respect
Thank you all three of you.. it was brilliant 🤩
This guy is cool. Wish more politicians were like him!
Brilliant discussion, very insightful points made by Frans. He nailed it on every level. Keep up the great work.
Oh my God. This is the best thing I have watched since the invasion of Ukraine. Thank you and Frans so very much! I am sharing this everywhere I can think of.
" ... This is the best thing I have watched since the invasion of Ukraine ... " ... are you suggesting that watching the invasion of Ukraine was better ??? 🤔
What a wonderful interview. I really hope that at some point there will be enough politicians like this. I think many politicians have forgotten that a very large percentage of people are not stupid they do understand that jot everything can be done. Any politican who will go out and talk to people ( and not just when they are campaigning) and listens to them but also has an honest talk with them and explains want can be done and why other things cant be done will not lose. At some point he will gain the respect of enough people.
Would love to hear an interview with Bernie Sanders or Garry Stevenson.
If Bernie Sanders had power America would be as weak as Europe. He thinks government exists to be a hammock for lazy people.
Bernie Sanders would be amazing, but he has enough on his plate in the US.
Gary Stevenson doesn't really fit the profile of these interviews as he isn't a politican or had any sort of 'leadership' role.
Your a podcast are all amazing but this fellow is the best. So easy to follow. Thank you all.
What an interesting and sensible man!
'Both of us lost tremendously... I'm not even talking about the horrible economic effects on the UK'
This was an excellent listen so refreshing to hear a sensible voice of the left who is actually communicating well on the crucial issues with grace eloquence & a true authenticity. Not the faux authenticity many of the populists fein on shows such as the Joe Rogan podcast
What an amazing speaker!
Superb interview A breath of fresh air in these torrid times.
We will. It’s already encouraging to see people start taking of Europe in political terms and not just as a market.
Brilliant interview with an extremely impressive politician! And a politician with humility which is unusual these days!
this guy is fantastic. so happy to have heard this interview.
What a lovely man. So refreshing.
I so agree with Timmermans, I so hope he will be our next PM. Things will change. This can't last forever. It simply won't.
Absolutely fantastic guest to listen to. Witheringl insight and marvellous temperament.
I’ve always argued that the only politician worth listening to - is a former politician because he/she is not constrained by concerns about undermining their own future. Frans Timmermans has changed my mind. What a refreshing interview with an opposition politician that doesn’t waste time criticizing his government and is willing to speak both as a representative of the Netherlands, and of all of Europe as well. Gentlemen, well done.
It is funny but as a centre-right voter in the Netherlands I thought Frans had completely lost the plot in the last election. He was ignoring the main issues and focusing on traditional pain points from 15 years ago. Then, in his interview last Sunday on Dutch TV I found myself agreeing with everything he said, and in this interview almost everything. It is deeply unsettling (tongue in cheek)... I don't think I have changed. I really think Frans has. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. I don't think I will vote for him but I just want people to come back to the centre. That is where humanity lies, dialogue, strong coalition, workability, freedom, democracy, etc. Far left and far right are where we lose ourselves on the altar of autocrats. Fascinating interview, thanks Alistair, Rory and Frans.
Timmermans always belonged to the right wing of the Labour party, and kept distance to the SP.
At the same time, the vast majority of right (wing) voters aren't as right wing as the parties, policy positions and agendas they vote for and enable. Kieskompas data shows this, for example.
It is the same in the US where 75% of the population agreed with Harris her policies rather than Trump.
Just as in the US there is an allergy for everything that is left. Because of rentless propaganda and big money forces.
This was thoroughly entertaining and highly informative. And some great analysis. Thank you to everyone who made this interview happen. It's appreciated.
As an American, the EU has so much to offer the world in terms of culture, thinking, life, and so much more. It is a wonderful place. My prayers are that people can bridge the cultural divide that separates much of the EU. My hope is this region unties more than divides. It is a wonderful place for the explorer, the learner, the thinker. Different cultures uniting as one is good. It will make this region only stronger.
As a Brit, I think you're living in cloud Cuckoo land. The EU is dying economically, numerically and culturally. Vance is right.....free speech is dead in the UK.
You’re referring to things inherent to the countries which make up the EU, not of the union itself. It’s been a horrible experiment mostly after they let in the eastern countries as this guy speaks to, although he is blind to the fact that allowing those countries in will be the death of the project.
We have 2 Trojan horses is the presidents of Hungary and Slovacchia
@@dgb916lessen off the laxatives , you’re talking shit again
@@dgb916the very same scare-mongering, emotionally driven drivel we’ve been hearing for decades. These small countries benefit from amassing resources, political leverage and power. End of. If you can’t see that then vote out and try your luck. No half measures, no backtracking, hence why the talk of the UK rejoining is more ludicrous than the original decision to leave.
Thankyou,thankyou everything has become clearer . Will have to watch again
Jesus Christ it is refreshing to hear a politician be strong in their convictions and not a mental case! Great talk. We need more.
Can we import politicians like football players?
Rory Stewart is not a politician. He is a failed politician. He failed to become leader of the Conservatives and like many liberal minded people flounced off and left the Party when it and its members refused to follow a path he a handful of other entitled posh boys wanted to follow. His whining now also fails to mention that his wife has a charity that previously benefitted to the tune of Millions of US taxpayer dollars (courtesy of USaid) running powerpoint presentations for Afghan peasants on modern art - because obviously when you are starving and underfunded what you really need is a talk from someone on the subtleties of The Fountain by Marcel Duchamp. He is a liberal grifter.
this was a really good interview
Great interview - what a missed opportunity for the Netherlands at a time in history when the stakes are so high.
Excellent interview with a brilliant man .