Choice is not perfection. Choice is direction.

It’s like this: I have never – and I never will – support someone because I have to. Because it’s easier that way.

No. I don’t have to.

But I have always – and I always will – tell the truth. I will now too.

I don’t always get everything right. But the difference between me and many people is probably that I have no problem saying it. To anyone. At any time. Believe me, each of my colleagues knows exactly what I think.

When it comes to fundamental issues of international law and humanity, I don’t expect silence. I expect arguments. Still.

But … the world is really turned upside down when those who befriend genocidal people and constantly relativize such issues suddenly appear today as their greatest advocates.

The world. Is. Really. Turned. Upside. Standards are not a matter of comfort.

When people are being eliminated with “you’re too young”, I don’t expect additional patronage. I expect responsibility.

Standards are not a matter of years.

Standards are a matter of whether you are willing to play by them… or to walk away. Hiring actors from abroad when arguments and responsibilities run out?!

This is no longer just a campaign. This is a revelation. Methods that do not belong in a democratic world. A revelation of how far some people are willing to go to return to power.

If we accept such methods as normal, we will get even more of them.

This, dear readers of this article, is the essence of these elections. Will we say that there are limits? Are there standards? Or will we admit that there will be no more? When standards fall, democracy falls.

And let there be no misunderstanding! Politics is not above people. Politics is not above rules. There must be NO tolerance for corruption.

On Sunday, we are not only deciding who will sit in the National Assembly or who will lead the government.

Go to the elections. Set a standard. If you don’t, others will. Except then you won’t have to choose anymore.

I will. Freely.

Not because it’s a perfect choice. But it’s a choice that I can calmly say: I know I made the right one.

Because patriotism without standards is not love for the country for me. It’s just an excuse for (the desire to return to) power.

And because it’s about whether we’ll still have the right to choose… or whether we’ll just continue to accept.

Therefore… Freedom.