This cause has a deeply personal significance to me. Mr Vance, in his role as Vice President, has committed acts that I believe are an affront not just to me, but to the values that citizens of democracy hold dear. Strikingly, he appears to have little regard for the truth, using his platform to disseminate falsehoods and potentially harmful rhetoric. Furthermore, his name-calling and resort to insults instead of meaningful dialogue only serves to stoke divisions, turning people against each other, instead of bringing them together.

But what is perhaps most distressing is his blatant disregard for the democratic processes he allegedly upholds. His criticism of the European Union's democratic integrity is a sobering irony, considering his own actions: evading interaction with his constituents, suppressing their constitutional right to demonstrate, and effectively silencing their voices.

Statistics from Freedom House show an alarming decline in global democracy, with citizens in many countries finding their voices stifled by elected officials who practice authoritarianism (Freedom House, 2021). This is inconsistent with the ideals of accountable governance and the rule of law upon which our societies are built.

Given the above, we believe Mr Vance's actions and his disrespect for democracy and the people he serves, disqualifies him from receiving the privilege of stepping foot on European soil. His presence and actions are in clear contradiction of the values we guard fiercely in Europe: respect for human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to request his recognition as persona non grata in Europe. Let us join hands to defend democracy, promote civil discourse, and assert our commitment to the sanctity of truth. Let's send a signal that disregard for these fundamental tenets will not be tolerated wherever it may come from. Please sign this petition today.