There is only one war that matters. The European Elections. And it is here. Let’s analyze the state of politics in Westeros.

No one has a consistent and coherent programme for the Seven Kingdoms

Cersei is too focused on herself to pass any evidence-based policy, let alone listen to her constituents that she actually hates. She manipulates their emotions to achieve her goals.

Daenerys wants to break the wheel, as recent politicians didn’t do a good enough job and she isn’t happy with the establishment. She, however, doesn’t have a plan nor a programme for what comes after her face-off with Cersei.

Jon never wanted to enter into politics as he was happier with his life in the North, and let’s face it, men in his family do not do well in King’s Landing. Yet, he found himself having no choice but to act. Let’s hope that he uses Samwell’s research to take up responsibility and propose a concrete plan of action to rebuild Westeros after the war.

Although the Seven Kingdoms have always had a degree of independence and subsidiarity, to ensure that they are prosperous it is necessary for the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms to have clearly articulated policies that are consistent and coherent across the realms. After all, we have seen that all alike face similar problems and have the similar hopes and dreams. Whether on the Wall, in King’s Landing or in the Vale, the Army of the Dead threatens humankind alike. In addition, together they were stronger.

Who will reform the institutions of the land of ice and fire?

Not enough stakeholders are thinking of actually reforming the system in depth to make it more participatory and democratic. Here are some suggestions of concrete policies that should be put in place.

Daenerys wants to deliver justice but still seat on the Iron Throne. She should ensure that all her constituents have the right to vote in a harmonized manner, so she can effectively govern in a federal manner the Seven Kingdoms and truly win hearts and minds, in addition to owning her title of “breaker of chains”. In addition, while her dragon might feel alone lately without his brothers (R.I.P.), it is still clearly necessary to regulate its actions. How about implementing citizens’ assemblies to decide where dragons are allowed to fly and hunt?

Throughout the last seasons, we have seen many hands advising various monarchs, but there hasn’t been a lot of gender balance in this specific post. In addition, Brienne is the first woman knight, it’s clearly time to have more gender parity throughout the realm, especially since we have seen the added benefit of women taking up the fight — thank you again Arya.

Cersei is focused on protecting her unborn child from the threats of her political opponents, but she should really be thinking that certain regions are clearly disadvantaged compared to others, and that the Iron Bank should direct funds to help improve the standards of living and create opportunities, especially after years of unrest across the realm.

Finally, as a piece of advice, while moving towards a more democratic and federal system, the protector of the realm needs to be careful not to implement rules of unanimity that might result in Dorne vetoing any needed fiscal policy that would beneficiate all citizens.

Winter is coming, but does the EU have its Arya to save the day?

I have no idea how GOT will end. “If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention” said Ramsey. But there is still time to ensure that the European elections do not end like the Red wedding.

However, we do not need one hero to save us all. Unlike in Thrones, in Europe our strength lies in everyday citizens willing to stand up, take a risk and fight. No, I’m not advocating for the murder of our enemies: I would have liked the Red Woman to build a special court of fire to judge the Night King to ensure due process. What I am calling for is for us all to take up responsibility, create change and vote. “I don’t plan on knitting by the fire while men fight for me” or a Ramsay will enter the European Parliament.

Hold the door, Volt is coming to bring new energy to Westeros, but not only. Evidence-based policies aimed at reforming the realm, ensuring economic growth and a just and sustainable society are its core.

Citizens from 28 kingdoms will vote in a decisive election that will shape their common future forever. The night is dark and full of terrors, so choose wisely.