What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Why the world needs more inspirational politicians like Volodymyr Zelensky

Australia needs a politician like Volodymyr Zelensky. I’m no Robinson Crusoe in that respect, but the leader of Ukraine is indeed an inspirational figure. The way in which he is standing up to the might of the Russian Federation and its despot, Vladimir Putin, is more than admirable. He has taken up the mantle, I believe, as the world’s most pre-eminent role model. With the current election campaign here in Australia raising less interest than IGA’s weekly specials, wouldn’t it be good if we had some real inspirational leaders leaders who not only grabbed our attention, but our imagination, too? There is no doubt that despite his political persuasions Zelensky certainly has a fair degree of charisma in his back pocket. And this has gone a long way towards his nation proving to be steadfast against Russian attacks over now several months. In many respects, the pint-sized former comedian and television producer has been able to harness, what seems like, unwavering support from Ukrainians as they wage war in a somewhat David versus Goliath scenario. It is merely conjecture, but you wonder if Ukrainian resistance would have been so strong if not for the very existence of Zelensky. It’s quite ironic when you consider that, despite the fact they are meant to lead and look after us, people really cannot trust politicians as a collective. In the 1950s, it was widely believed that if comedian Bob Hope was a US presidential candidate he would have won with a landslide. People simply trusted him. You could say this assumption has been well and truly backed up, when in 2019, Zelensky convincingly beat the Ukrainian incumbent taking an incredible 73.23 percent of the vote. Why? Because he resonated with everyone. It is said that leaders are born not made, but I reckon it’s a bit of both. This fella seems to be a man who looks to have charisma, but it’s what he has done and continues to do with this charisma that stands him out from other leaders It is charisma coupled with humility that sets him apart from your everyday pollie. Ideology translated into policies seems to be how society expects us to judge these individuals, but I’m not so sure the average punter cares about such things. Politics the world over consists of “Big Brother” telling us how we should think and not listening to what we are thinking. It is people like Volodymyr Zelensky who channel an innate integrity, that personify a true “will of the people” — something our present leaders definitely lack. Peter Fiorenza hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA