in Germany. And one of the parties vying for seats is the Piratenpartei, the “Pirate Party”. And as I’ve learned just now there are affiliated parties in over 60 countries with similar goals, i.e. more rights for citizens, internet rights protection etc. And there I was thinking it was a German phenomenon but the first Pirate Party came from Sweden, where they gained over 7% in the European election in 2009 (internationally, I think, their best result).
……………………………………….
pictures imperfect blog 
I would vote for any candidate who showed up dressed in pirate garb, wearing an eye patch and saying “Aaarrggghh.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can’t be worse than a lot of the folks in black suits. And a lot better than a candidate in a black suit, white shirt, red tie and thinning orange hair.
LikeLike
I’d never heard of the Pirate Party here in the UK, but apparently it does exist and has a leader, Jason Artemis Winstanley. However, the only newspater article I can find is from the Guardian … in 2009!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think such small parties with very limited goals are basically a niche / hobby party in countries like the UK where you only have a vote for one rep in your area. Let’s say 40% for the Tory candidate, 50% for the Labour candidate, and all the Tory votes and the 10% for smaller splinter groups get lost. In Germany we have a very complicated system where everybody has 2 votes, one for the direct candidate and one for a party. That’s why even small parties have a chance to send somebody to parliament. That system has a few drawbacks, too, but I don’t want to write an essay of several pages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One day we’ll get something better then First Past the Post, which ensures that most of us are repreented by someone we definitely didn’t vote for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The outcome of 2024’s general election in Pakistan are still dominating the Parliament halls and city streets here. Witnessed a fresh set yesterday in my city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But — do you have a pirate?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The chairperson of the opposition party is in prison since 2024, because of Pakistani political shenanigans.
Since last week, his eye infection is the top national news in the country.
So yes, we have a pirate 😆
LikeLike
I know a bit (not much) about Pakistani politics because my husband is an avid fan of cricket and we watched Imran Kahn play in the early 90s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That “Pirate in the prison” is that same Imran Khan 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person