Right-wing groups like the Republicans in the U.S. or the AfD in Germany promise concrete solutions to the problems and fears of the majority of voters. Even if people know they’re being lied to, the slim chance these groups might fix some issues often feels more appealing than the vague promises of their opponents. It’s also clear that endorsements from random wealthy individuals don’t sway voters.

I hope this election is the final wake-up call the EU needs to truly advance its own technological portfolio. A good start would be to significantly increase funding for FOSS projects, as the alternative, investing in closed startups, hasn’t proven effective over the past decades.