Commentary
Democratic Security
Bulgaria Votes – Russia Hopes for a New Orbán
16 April 2026
Banning the Latin letter — as several European countries have done — while legitimate on the grounds of practical security, will not win any ideological war.
In April, Germany banned the Z symbol from public display for principled reasons, arguing that it was a declaration of war to liberal democracy, followed quickly by Lithuania and Estonia, who offered a different rationale based on practical security concerns. While legitimate, these attempts will not save democracy from itself and puts us on a slippery slope of justifications.
The infamous ‘Z’ symbol first displayed on Russian military vehicles taking part in the invasion of Ukraine has been heralded as the new emblem in support of Russian troops. From flash mobs organised at schools and universities to displays on buildings and merchandise sold online, the pompous exhibition of such a symbol spreads hate and extremist viewpoints.
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