Garvan Walshe
@garvanwalshe.org
Civic entrepreneur building tech for democrats of all parties and none at Article7.eu. I also chair Unhack Democracy and write on foreign affairs, defence and democracy.
Pinned
Garvan Walshe
@garvanwalshe.org
· Dec 4
Analysis: Protests push Bulgaria’s government to the edge
Deep-seated frustration with corruption comes to the fore in anti-government protests.
tvpworld.com
Those huge protests in Bulgaria may have been the biggest since the collapse of communism
So I wrote two pieces about them
First, for @tvpworld.bsky.social
tvpworld.com/90368003/gen...
So I wrote two pieces about them
First, for @tvpworld.bsky.social
tvpworld.com/90368003/gen...
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
Been thinking a lot about how we are talking about health and society so I wrote down some thoughts about what happens when self-care replaces collective care, and why joy, connection, and shared spaces are as essential to a nation’s wellbeing as any diet
zoegrunewald.substack.com/p/when-whats...
zoegrunewald.substack.com/p/when-whats...
When “what’s good for us” stops meaning "us"
Wellness culture promises control and self-care — but what happens when it starts to hollow out our shared collective lives?
zoegrunewald.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Been thinking a lot about how we are talking about health and society so I wrote down some thoughts about what happens when self-care replaces collective care, and why joy, connection, and shared spaces are as essential to a nation’s wellbeing as any diet
zoegrunewald.substack.com/p/when-whats...
zoegrunewald.substack.com/p/when-whats...
Neither but they could reduce the capacity of repressive forces to repress. Target their command and control, make them deal with prison breaks, etc.
This has to be balanced against rallying around the flag but that’s not the same as saying they could not have useful effect in these circumstances.
This has to be balanced against rallying around the flag but that’s not the same as saying they could not have useful effect in these circumstances.
January 13, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Neither but they could reduce the capacity of repressive forces to repress. Target their command and control, make them deal with prison breaks, etc.
This has to be balanced against rallying around the flag but that’s not the same as saying they could not have useful effect in these circumstances.
This has to be balanced against rallying around the flag but that’s not the same as saying they could not have useful effect in these circumstances.
What’s the I appreciate your comment but “like” seems inappropriate button?
January 13, 2026 at 6:20 PM
What’s the I appreciate your comment but “like” seems inappropriate button?
In case this was ever a difficult decision, the shooting of Renee Nicole Good made it easier. Do you want to join the EU or the place where overarmed goons shoot unarmed women.
Trump undoes himself just like Putin does.
Trump undoes himself just like Putin does.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen,
"Now we are faced with a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we will choose Denmark"
"We choose NATO"
"We choose the Kingdom of Denmark"
"We choose the EU"
"Now we are faced with a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we will choose Denmark"
"We choose NATO"
"We choose the Kingdom of Denmark"
"We choose the EU"
January 13, 2026 at 6:20 PM
In case this was ever a difficult decision, the shooting of Renee Nicole Good made it easier. Do you want to join the EU or the place where overarmed goons shoot unarmed women.
Trump undoes himself just like Putin does.
Trump undoes himself just like Putin does.
Perhaps - but the regime doesn’t need Trump’s help to shoot people.
My latest for @bylinetimes.bsky.social - why #Trump promise that "help is on its way" could backfire on #Iran protestors.
Thanks to @scottlucas.bsky.social @danielasepehri.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
Thanks to @scottlucas.bsky.social @danielasepehri.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
Trump 'Has Put a Target on the Back of Iranian Protestors'
The US military threat is actually helping Iran's repressive regime, Professor Scott Lucas and Daniela Sepeheri tells Adrian Goldberg and the Byline Times Podcast
open.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Perhaps - but the regime doesn’t need Trump’s help to shoot people.
And it’s not their idea of freedom that’s the problem, it’s the view of who should have it (I think you make that point too in your thread!)
January 13, 2026 at 2:38 PM
And it’s not their idea of freedom that’s the problem, it’s the view of who should have it (I think you make that point too in your thread!)
Well I do think it should be pointed out that Lockeans wouldn’t favour the Reform view either.
January 13, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Well I do think it should be pointed out that Lockeans wouldn’t favour the Reform view either.
Their conception of freedom is no such thing: it’s domination of the out group by the in group. Even Rothbard would reject it.
January 13, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Their conception of freedom is no such thing: it’s domination of the out group by the in group. Even Rothbard would reject it.
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
It’s official: Hungary’s parliamentary elections will be held on 12 April.
Our threat assessment highlights serious risks to election integrity, including breaches of domestic and international democratic standards.
helsinki.hu/en/2026-elec...
Our threat assessment highlights serious risks to election integrity, including breaches of domestic and international democratic standards.
helsinki.hu/en/2026-elec...
Threat Assessment of the 2026 Hungarian Parliamentary Elections - Hungarian Helsinki Committee
In April 2026, the parliamentary elections will be a pivotal moment for democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in Hungary.
helsinki.hu
January 13, 2026 at 12:29 PM
It’s official: Hungary’s parliamentary elections will be held on 12 April.
Our threat assessment highlights serious risks to election integrity, including breaches of domestic and international democratic standards.
helsinki.hu/en/2026-elec...
Our threat assessment highlights serious risks to election integrity, including breaches of domestic and international democratic standards.
helsinki.hu/en/2026-elec...
Have they done this by pre-tax income?
January 13, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Have they done this by pre-tax income?
Acts of attainder are ruled out and impeachment doesn’t seem to be possible as he’s deputy Chief of Staff, not an officer of the US.
January 13, 2026 at 6:51 AM
Acts of attainder are ruled out and impeachment doesn’t seem to be possible as he’s deputy Chief of Staff, not an officer of the US.
Is there a constitutional way to remove Stephen Miller?
(This is explicitly ruled out: www.parliament.uk/about/living...)
(This is explicitly ruled out: www.parliament.uk/about/living...)
January 13, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Is there a constitutional way to remove Stephen Miller?
(This is explicitly ruled out: www.parliament.uk/about/living...)
(This is explicitly ruled out: www.parliament.uk/about/living...)
Apols for misunderstanding will delete (though obvs they had to take their school out of Tehran after the revolution!)
January 12, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Apols for misunderstanding will delete (though obvs they had to take their school out of Tehran after the revolution!)
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
@garvanwalshe.org on the Powell statement.
I’m now following the Federal Reserve, like we followed epidemiologists during the pandemic.
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
January 12, 2026 at 11:45 AM
@garvanwalshe.org on the Powell statement.
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
I’m now following the Federal Reserve, like we followed epidemiologists during the pandemic.
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
Statement by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell
YouTube video by Federal Reserve
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:48 AM
I’m now following the Federal Reserve, like we followed epidemiologists during the pandemic.
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
Nadhim Zahawi MP: In Farage’s Britain, it would be legal to discriminate against me on the grounds of race
conservativehome.com/2015/03/23/n...
conservativehome.com/2015/03/23/n...
January 12, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Nadhim Zahawi MP: In Farage’s Britain, it would be legal to discriminate against me on the grounds of race
conservativehome.com/2015/03/23/n...
conservativehome.com/2015/03/23/n...
That will make it difficult for our allies in congress. But troops could be moved to defend Greenland against Russia
January 12, 2026 at 9:15 AM
That will make it difficult for our allies in congress. But troops could be moved to defend Greenland against Russia
7/ University presidents, law firm chiefs and, yes European leaders need to reflect on this.
January 12, 2026 at 7:56 AM
7/ University presidents, law firm chiefs and, yes European leaders need to reflect on this.
6/ In traditional societies it comes from tribal and clan loyalties. In modern ones it is through principles, ideology.
Powell is standing up for freedom and the rule of law even though he doesn’t have to.
Powell is standing up for freedom and the rule of law even though he doesn’t have to.
January 12, 2026 at 7:56 AM
6/ In traditional societies it comes from tribal and clan loyalties. In modern ones it is through principles, ideology.
Powell is standing up for freedom and the rule of law even though he doesn’t have to.
Powell is standing up for freedom and the rule of law even though he doesn’t have to.
5/ One final thought, worth expanding later.
Individual self interest isn’t enough to resist tyranny. Countervailing power needs solidarity among its opponents.
Individual self interest isn’t enough to resist tyranny. Countervailing power needs solidarity among its opponents.
January 12, 2026 at 7:54 AM
5/ One final thought, worth expanding later.
Individual self interest isn’t enough to resist tyranny. Countervailing power needs solidarity among its opponents.
Individual self interest isn’t enough to resist tyranny. Countervailing power needs solidarity among its opponents.
4/ Because despite Trump’s belief he’s the only man in charge - America still has institutions, like the Fed: what matters is to use them.
January 12, 2026 at 7:52 AM
4/ Because despite Trump’s belief he’s the only man in charge - America still has institutions, like the Fed: what matters is to use them.
3/ But also because it resists Trump’s attempt to impose monarchy on America.
Powell is telling the financial sector and its supporters in congress that this matters - even though his term will end in a few months
Powell is telling the financial sector and its supporters in congress that this matters - even though his term will end in a few months
January 12, 2026 at 7:51 AM
3/ But also because it resists Trump’s attempt to impose monarchy on America.
Powell is telling the financial sector and its supporters in congress that this matters - even though his term will end in a few months
Powell is telling the financial sector and its supporters in congress that this matters - even though his term will end in a few months
2/ First for the obvious economic reasons. The president should not run monetary policy (for why not see Turkey, Argentina. Zimbabwe etc)
January 12, 2026 at 7:49 AM
2/ First for the obvious economic reasons. The president should not run monetary policy (for why not see Turkey, Argentina. Zimbabwe etc)
I’m now following the Federal Reserve, like we followed epidemiologists during the pandemic.
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
Statement by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell
YouTube video by Federal Reserve
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:48 AM
I’m now following the Federal Reserve, like we followed epidemiologists during the pandemic.
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
That’s not good.
But Powell’s defiance is 🧵
Surely Europe should reject the annexation of Greenland.
Europe can’t be a passive bystander here and needs to reinforce its own territory and work with anti-Trump Americans who think this is madness and want to stop it.
Europe can’t be a passive bystander here and needs to reinforce its own territory and work with anti-Trump Americans who think this is madness and want to stop it.
“The move on Venezuela illustrates the Trump administration’s determination to dominate the Western Hemisphere – of which Greenland geographically is a part,” I told @JTPsaropoulos aje.io/0hr28i via @AJEnglish @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social @isdp-sweden.bsky.social
Europe should prepare for Greenland’s annexation and end of NATO: Experts
US and Russian ideologies would be in alignment, leaving Europe as an island of liberalism, according to analysts.
aje.io
January 12, 2026 at 7:28 AM
Surely Europe should reject the annexation of Greenland.
Europe can’t be a passive bystander here and needs to reinforce its own territory and work with anti-Trump Americans who think this is madness and want to stop it.
Europe can’t be a passive bystander here and needs to reinforce its own territory and work with anti-Trump Americans who think this is madness and want to stop it.