autocratic

The bloc is beginning to feel rudderless, with the rise of more autocratic, Russia-sympathising leaders in Hungary, Slovakia and Romania and French and German focus weakened and distracted.

But the harshness of the police response has drawn comparisons with autocratic states, most notably Russia and Belarus, and the government's critics say they are operating from a Russian playbook.

Merkel, who stepped down in 2021, described Trump as “clearly fascinated” by the Russian president, adding that he seemed “captivated by politicians with autocratic and dictatorial traits.”

“You now have these autocratic regimes increasingly working together to help one another achieve whatever it is they want, and ignoring the wishes of the international community.”

A majority of Americans want an autocratic strongman show and Trump and the Republicans are happy to give it to them.