Democracy is in crisis, with voters losing faith in politicians and systems that appear to favour the elite. This disillusionment is evident in the rise of Donald Trump and Brexit, both products of a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the status quo. This crisis is not just about individuals, but about structures and systems that are failing to deliver for the majority.
Politicians have become distant from the people they serve, often perceived as self-serving and untrustworthy. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with austerity measures hitting the most vulnerable hardest. The media, once a watchdog for democracy, is now often seen as part of the problem, with accusations of bias and misinformation.
A new plan for democracy is needed, a plan that involves ordinary people in decision-making and gives them a real stake in society. This requires a shift in power from the few to the many, a radical overhaul of current systems. The answer may lie in more direct forms of democracy, such as citizens’ assemblies and participatory budgeting.
Democracy is not a fixed entity, but a process that needs to evolve to meet the needs of its citizens. The current crisis is a wake-up call, a chance to renew and revitalise democracy for the 21st century.
Go to source article: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/02/democracy-crisis-plan-trump-brexit-system-politicans-voters