2023-09-10 11:00:16
Austria (OTS) – “We decide something, then put it out there and wait for a while to see what happens. If there is no big outcry and no uprisings, because most people don’t even understand what was decided, then we move on – step by step Step until there is no turning back.” Who else can remember this statement? The quote from Jean-Claude Juncker, the former Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the European Commission, raises serious questions regarding the understanding of democracy in European politics. Juncker describes an approach that aims to make political decisions without fully involving or informing the public. This approach is not only undemocratic, but also cynical and dangerous to the foundations of a free society
The quote and its implications:
This quote reveals a shocking disregard for the intelligence and commitment of citizens. It implies that political decisions are made behind closed doors, meaning that the public remains in the dark or is not sufficiently informed and is therefore unable to weigh up the pros and cons.
Power over transparency
Juncker’s statement suggests that maintaining power and pushing through political agendas is more important than citizens’ democratic participation. This contradicts the basic principles of democracy, which require transparency, accountability and the involvement of the public in the decision-making process.
The danger of the “step-by-step” approach
The “step-by-step” approach that Juncker describes is particularly worrying. It allows politicians to make incremental changes that can add up to radical change over time, without the public having the opportunity to express their opinion and, if necessary, resist.
MFG-OÖ club chairman LAbg. Manuel Krautgartner on Juncker’s statement and politics in general
Jean-Claude Juncker’s quote is an alarm signal for everyone who believes in democratic values and principles, because it reveals a worrying level of paternalism towards citizens. It shows a cynical and manipulative understanding of politics that sees citizens as ignorant and passive. Such views are not only undemocratic, but also dangerous for the future of a free and open society. By devaluing the opinions and voices of citizens, the foundation of democracy is being undermined. I experience nothing different in the Upper Austrian state parliament.
And this is exactly what happened to a frightening extent during the so-called corona pandemic: behind closed doors – together with so-called “experts” – decisions were made that had far-reaching effects on the basic rights and freedoms of citizens. People were faced with a fait accompli without their voices being heard or given the opportunity to participate in these crucial processes.
It is time for citizens and political decision-makers to critically examine this behavior and demand more transparency and accountability in politics. It is essential that we as citizens of this country ask ourselves how we want to live together as a society in our country and in doing so critically question politics, because it is they that create the binding framework for how we actually live together have. It is our responsibility to be vigilant, to demand our right to participation and to actively participate in shaping our shared future.
Questions & Contact:
MFG State Parliament Club Upper Austria
(+43 732) 7720 – 17402
press-you@mfg-oe.at
www.klubmfg-ooe.at
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