This Time Tomorrow

In his eight monologue for democracy, a morning train ride becomes Ted’s window into the disillusionment of Gen Z, where far-right influencers blend self-help with extremism, and political disengagement feels like the only rational response. A conversation with colleagues—amalgamations of several real discussions—reveals how misogyny and white supremacy are now just part of the cultural background noise, ostensibly accepted as an unavoidable reality. Ted turns to the raw, unfiltered poetry of the late Yahya Hassan, a Palestinian-Danish poet whose work screams defiance at a world that failed him, mirroring the rage and resignation of a generation. Hassan’s poems, full of fury and vulnerability, challenge Ted to confront his own complicity and the emptiness of modern cynicism. When the world feels broken… is silence the only answer, or is it time to turn up the volume?

In the 45th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni (Daniela was still in Budapest, busy witnessing the unfolding of Hungarian democratic history and all that glorious spiel!) welcome researcher and think-tank director Steven Lacey to unpack the British far-right’s eight distinct factions, from hard-pressed workers to conspiracy theorists and ethno-nationalists. Lacey, who once fell under the spell of Russian propaganda, shares insights into how economic anxiety, cultural nostalgia, and distrust in institutions manifest within these groups. We also explore strategies to counter their rise, emphasising community-building, media literacy, and addressing the root causes of alienation. Listen now for a fun, occasionally raucous, and always nuanced look at the far-right’s fragmented landscape and how to challenge its appeal.

With Hungary’s historic 2026 election just days away, this episode takes one last look at the battle for the country’s future before polling stations open. Zsófia Banuta, a democracy defender and co-founder of Unhack Democracy, joins Omri, Benni and Daniela to share firsthand accounts of the tactics shaping the vote, and… well, trust us: from systemic vote-buying and coercion in marginalised communities to Viktor Orbán’s relentless propaganda machine, some of the details might shock even the most weather-beaten election observer.

Recent polls suggest that Peter Magyar’s opposition party, Tisza, commands a clear lead, and yet… despite the apparent impopularity of the ruling party, no one can quite take this win for granted. Our conversation explores how Orbán’s 16-year grip on power has reshaped Hungary’s institutions, media, and also, crucially, the electoral system itself.

What would a victory for the opposition mean for Hungary’s democratic recovery, and what legal and political hurdles would remain after the votes have been counted?

Is there a risk of post-election manipulation? How can a society heal after prolonged autocratic rule? Can Hungary break free from its cycle of corruption and polarisation, or is the damage too deep?

Listen now for a ground-level perspective on an election that could well redefine Hungary… and offer a few lessons for democracies under strain worldwide.

In this week’s episode, Omri, Daniela and Benni step back from the relentless onslaught of madding headlines to discuss some rather consequential decisions that will shape Europe’s future. While global crises dominate the news, crucial EU legislation, from digital regulation to the next seven-year budget, is being finalised with little public scrutiny or media attention.

How will the next seven-year budget fund everything from tech sovereignty to enlargement, and why does enforcement of rules like the Digital Services Act matter just as much as the laws themselves? With decisions being made now, we ask whether Europe will step up as a global actor, or if short-term politics will leave us simply fighting for survival another decade?

This episode really digs into how decisions made in Brussels will impact YOUR DAILY LIFE, from privacy to paychecks, and why a lack of debate should concern us all. Tune in to understand what’s at stake when Europe acts without the spotlight. It really does matter.

In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Daniela dive into the frontlines of democratic innovation with Eileen O’Sullivan, deputy mayor of Frankfurt (the youngest ever in the history of the city!) and a rising voice in Europe’s Volt party.

Eileen shares her journey from political activist to city leader, driven by frustration with short-term politics and a belief in grassroots change. She explains how Frankfurt is revolutionising local governance by centralising digital services, launching a “welcome process” for newcomers, and embedding citizen participation into administrative decisions.

Eileen’s message is universal: democracy is at its best when people stop waiting for permission and instead start shaping their communities. Whether it’s hackathons for kids, crowd counters at Christmas markets, or restructuring bureaucracy, Eileen shows that meaningful change begins with simply showing up, and that anyone, regardless of background, can run for office and win.

Tune in for a real masterclass in turning idealism into action.

In this episode we break down Israel’s make-or-break October elections, the first since the October 7th attacks in 2023. Why does this vote matter so much? Because it’s a desperate fight for Israel’s future, with democracy defenders squaring off against far-right extremists and a Netanyahu-led government that does whatever it takes to cling to power.

Can moderates and activists flip the script in 2026? And what does this mean for the rest of us watching democracy’s highs and lows? There’s no holding back in this one, just the raw politics and the people pushing for change. With Omri Preiss, Benjamin Zeeb and Daniela Vancic.

Hungary’s upcoming election isn’t just another vote. In the words of the Dutch far-right expert, Cas Mudde, it is one of two elections in 2026 that will define the future of European liberal democracy. (And yes, the other one is the US midterms.)

After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule, Fidesz (his party) faces its toughest challenge yet from Péter Magyar’s opposition movement, Tisza, which now leads in the polls by double digits. But Orbán’s grip on power, built through media dominance, gerrymandered districts, and a network of loyal institutions, means this race is far from fair.

The election hinges on more than just numbers. Orbán’s survival strategy relies on shifting the public’s focus from economic decline and corruption scandals to his signature foreign policy rhetoric: anti-Brussels, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Putin. Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned reformer, offers voters a chance to break the cycle, but his success depends on overcoming a system rigged against change.

If Magyar wins, the road to recovery won’t be quick. Orbán’s legacy—corrupted courts, a captured media, and a centralised economy—won’t vanish overnight. And yet, even a narrow victory could trigger a slow unravelling of Orbán’s empire, especially if EU funds and legal pressure force accountability.

The world is watching. Hungary’s election is a test of whether democracy can still push back against autocracy’s rise. But with Orbán’s campaign machine in overdrive and 50 days left to sway voters, the outcome remains dangerously uncertain.

Will Hungary’s voters finally turn the page, or will Orbán’s playbook outlast the backlash? Tune in to find out as Omri, Benni and Daniela sit down with the Hungarian social psychologist and political scientist, Péter Krekó.

In our 12th Monologue for Democracy, Omri Preiss shifts the focus from scandal to action, exploring how ordinary citizens and aspiring politicians can resist the cynicism fueled by the Epstein affair. Omri argues that the real lesson lies not in the corruption of elites, but in recognising that political integrity is a conscious choice, available to anyone entering public life. Drawing from his experience in the European Parliament and civil society, Omri explains why politicians engage with powerful networks: for information, political backing, and financial support, all of which can be pursued ethically or exploited.

Fundamentally, this monologue challenges the notion that politics is inherently corrupt, emphasising that systemic change requires good people to enter the arena, build clean networks, and stand firm against moral compromise. Omri warns against abandoning the political sphere to those driven by ego or darker motives, and urges listeners to reclaim civic engagement as a force for accountability and democratic resilience.

The takeaway? Hope depends on action, and integrity is a choice firmly within our reach.

In this urgent monologue, Omri Preiss examines recent speeches by world leaders that reveal a fractured geopolitical landscape…

…and a direct challenge to democratic values.

1. At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed transatlantic relations in terms of historical and cultural bonds. Omri, however, argues that Rubio’s rhetoric signals support for Europe’s far-right movements, aiming to undermine established democratic institutions.

2. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s assertion at the European Parliament that Europe cannot defend itself without US backing has Omri reflecting on… Well, how shall we put it? Rutte’s stupidity? Particularly stupid, perhaps, at a moment when trust in American commitments wavers.

3. Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address in Davos declared the post-WWII world order “over,” but his comparison of Western policies to Soviet-era repression draws sharp criticism from Omri for undermining the moral clarity needed in today’s struggles.

4. Concluding on a positive, forward-looking note, Omri argues that a speech by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offers a contrasting vision, advocating for an open, sustainable, and accountable global model. At a time when many world leaders are only looking out for themselves, Sánchez is one of very few able to utter the words “generosity” and “global” in the same sentence.

As autocratic forces gain ground, this monologue asks: Can democracy rally? Or will the free world cede to a new era of strongmen? A must-listen for anyone tracking the fight for the future.

Pedro Sánchez at the World Govenments Summit

Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum

Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference

Mark Rutte at the European Parliament

What if the next elections aren’t just about choosing leaders, but about saving democracy itself? In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri, Benni, and Daniela break down why 2026 could be a turning point for countries like Hungary, France, and the US. They explain how some leaders are bending the rules, spreading misinformation, and even intimidating voters to stay in power… and, crucially, what democrats can do to push back.

From organising communities to fixing legal loopholes, this conversation covers real ways to protect free and fair elections. Omri, Benni and Daniela also stress the need for clear, hopeful messages—not just criticism—to win over voters and keep democracy strong.

Tune in to understand the risks, the strategies, and how you can play a part in defending democracy this year. Expect a series! Subscribe for more on how elections shape our future.