This Time Tomorrow

With you in defense of democracy

This Time Tomorrow is a podcast that takes on the global rise of autocracy. We bring you insightful interviews with thought-leaders from civil society, we explain complex events from a variety of perspectives, and we also try to make you feel… well, a little less alone in the fight against anti-democrats. It’s not just in your head—our democracies and our freedoms are at stake—and we’re here to keep you company as well as updated. Hosted by Omri Preiss, Benjamin Zeeb and Daniela Vancic. Produced by Ted Verver-Greijer. thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

  1. 40. HUNGARY ‘26: An election that will define the future of Europe - GUEST: Péter Krekó

    MAR 3

    40. HUNGARY ‘26: An election that will define the future of Europe - GUEST: Péter Krekó

    Hungary’s upcoming election isn’t just another vote. In the words of the Dutch far-right expert, Cas Mudde, it is one of two elections in 2026 that will define the future of European liberal democracy. (And yes, the other one is the US midterms.) After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule, Fidesz (his party) faces its toughest challenge yet from Péter Magyar’s opposition movement, Tisza, which now leads in the polls by double digits. But Orbán’s grip on power, built through media dominance, gerrymandered districts, and a network of loyal institutions, means this race is far from fair. The election hinges on more than just numbers. Orbán’s survival strategy relies on shifting the public’s focus from economic decline and corruption scandals to his signature foreign policy rhetoric: anti-Brussels, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Putin. Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned reformer, offers voters a chance to break the cycle, but his success depends on overcoming a system rigged against change. If Magyar wins, the road to recovery won’t be quick. Orbán’s legacy—corrupted courts, a captured media, and a centralised economy—won’t vanish overnight. And yet, even a narrow victory could trigger a slow unravelling of Orbán’s empire, especially if EU funds and legal pressure force accountability. The world is watching. Hungary’s election is a test of whether democracy can still push back against autocracy’s rise. But with Orbán’s campaign machine in overdrive and 50 days left to sway voters, the outcome remains dangerously uncertain. Will Hungary’s voters finally turn the page, or will Orbán’s playbook outlast the backlash? Tune in to find out as Omri, Benni and Daniela sit down with the Hungarian social psychologist and political scientist, Péter Krekó. 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

    1h 11m
  2. MONOLOGUE 11: Four speeches that could change everything - Omri pt. 3

    FEB 18

    MONOLOGUE 11: Four speeches that could change everything - Omri pt. 3

    In this urgent monologue, Omri Preiss examines recent speeches by world leaders that reveal a fractured geopolitical landscape… …and a direct challenge to democratic values. 1. At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed transatlantic relations in terms of historical and cultural bonds. Omri, however, argues that Rubio’s rhetoric signals support for Europe’s far-right movements, aiming to undermine established democratic institutions. 2. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s assertion at the European Parliament that Europe cannot defend itself without US backing has Omri reflecting on… Well, how shall we put it? Rutte’s stupidity? Particularly stupid, perhaps, at a moment when trust in American commitments wavers. 3. Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address in Davos declared the post-WWII world order “over,” but his comparison of Western policies to Soviet-era repression draws sharp criticism from Omri for undermining the moral clarity needed in today’s struggles. 4. Concluding on a positive, forward-looking note, Omri argues that a speech by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offers a contrasting vision, advocating for an open, sustainable, and accountable global model. At a time when many world leaders are only looking out for themselves, Sánchez is one of very few able to utter the words “generosity” and “global” in the same sentence. As autocratic forces gain ground, this monologue asks: Can democracy rally? Or will the free world cede to a new era of strongmen? A must-listen for anyone tracking the fight for the future. Pedro Sánchez at the World Govenments Summit Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference Mark Rutte at the European Parliament 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

    34 min
  3. 38. TECH: Meet the Future with Märtha Rehnberg

    FEB 1

    38. TECH: Meet the Future with Märtha Rehnberg

    What happens when the world’s most powerful leaders can’t even describe their vision for the future? Our guest, futurist Märtha Rehnberg, reveals something that’s surprised her in her career: too many leaders today are stuck in reactive mode, managing the present rather than daring to imagine, and build, a better tomorrow. Märtha makes a case for the power of audacious or even “unreasonable,” visions, the kind that spark revolutions in science, technology, and society. Yet Europe, she warns, too often settles for bureaucracy and incremental change, leaving it vulnerable in an era of global transformation and technological rivalry. This episode dives into Europe’s vision crisis: Why are we struggling to craft stories that inspire and unite? How can we move beyond just surviving crises to actively shaping our future? The answer, Märtha argues, lies in unlocking imagination, nurturing creativity, and weaving narratives that bring people together around a shared, ambitious purpose. The message is clear: Europe’s path forward demands more than pragmatism. It’s time to embrace discomfort, face hard truths, and invest in the ideas and stories that will propel us toward a future we actually want to live in. Märtha Rehnberg is Co-Founder of DareDisrupt, a think tank specialized in responsible disruption and exponential technologies. She advises some of the largest companies in the world on disruption, with a special focus on heavy asset industries. As policy advisor, she has worked directly on EU’s Industrial Strategy, the Green Deal, the Taxonomy on Sustainable Finance and most recently her work focuses on Science4Policy, with the EU Commission’s Joint Research Council. 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

    1h 11m

About

This Time Tomorrow is a podcast that takes on the global rise of autocracy. We bring you insightful interviews with thought-leaders from civil society, we explain complex events from a variety of perspectives, and we also try to make you feel… well, a little less alone in the fight against anti-democrats. It’s not just in your head—our democracies and our freedoms are at stake—and we’re here to keep you company as well as updated. Hosted by Omri Preiss, Benjamin Zeeb and Daniela Vancic. Produced by Ted Verver-Greijer. thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com