As the boundaries between law, politics, and public morality blur, a global pattern is beginning to emerge… one where legal transgressions no longer spell the end of political careers. In the 18th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni sit down with Prof. Dr. Franz-Alois Fischer to discuss the place where law meets democratic legitimacy.

Why are electorates increasingly willing to overlook criminal convictions, indictments, and extremist affiliations in their political leaders?

From the United States, where Donald Trump returned to power in 2024 despite facing multiple criminal convictions, to Israel, where Benjamin Netanyahu was reelected in 2022 while under indictment for corruption, this trend is reshaping political norms. In France, Marine Le Pen of the far-right Rassemblement National was recently convicted of embezzling EU funds, yet she and her party retain considerable support. In Germany, the far-right AfD has been officially designated an extremist organisation by the domestic intelligence service, raising the possibility of a future ban… to no discernible consequence in opinion polls.

As democratic institutions come under pressure, what does the future hold for the rule of law in politics? And what can defenders of democracy do to protect legal systems that are meant to uphold and defend our very dignity as human beings?

Prof. Dr. Franz-Alois Fischer is a German legal scholar, philosopher, and attorney known for his work on constitutional law, legal philosophy, and public education on democracy.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com