Politics is a dangerous sport
Democracy cannot flourish unless politicians, civil servants and members of the Judiciary are held in high regard. In some countries at least, this was once the case, but in most it no longer is. Leer más
In some democratic nations, losing an election can result in a candidate spending years in jail. Brazil is one such country, which is why Flávio Bolsonaro fled the United States via Argentina after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula, who previously served time in prison, has since returned to the presidency. Argentina is home to former presidents who have also faced similar legal issues.
Similarly, US President Donald Trump faces potential impeachment if his party loses the upcoming midterm elections. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy are also under legal scrutiny. The public's widespread contempt for politicians contributes to the growing distrust in democracy.
Governments, legal systems, and activists are often perceived as corrupt, leading people to take to the streets rather than participate in the political process. Unless politicians are seen as honest and dedicated to the public good, many may prioritize their own interests. This trend is evident in Europe and the United States, where movements like Black Lives Matter have emerged.
The decline in respect for politicians and civil servants undermines democracy's viability, particularly in English-speaking nations that pioneered modern democracy.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
