The rise of far-right parties in the recent EU parliamentary elections signifies a critical juncture for European liberal democracies. As Baruch Spinoza noted, human activities need passion to prosper, and contemporary European politics is seeing a shift from democratic passion to populist obedience. Alexis de Tocqueville's analysis from 1835 highlights the risk of losing independent thought and action among citizens, a concern that is increasingly evident today. The elections reveal a pressing need for moral leadership in European democracy, emphasising the importance of ethical organisation and civic virtue to combat the apathy and challenges faced.