“No gain for democracy” – Dagens Industri

"No gain for democracy" – Dagens Industri

“No gain for democracy”

                  2014-12-27 16:08
             

A historic handshake between blocks makes it easier to govern.

But democracy is losing vitality, believes political scientist.

We get a less vigorous debate with an opposition that may not make a fuss about the budget in seven years, says Mikael Gilljam, professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg.

He thinks that the agreement is a remarkable solution to an awkward situation.

Government Forces win on this, but not the opposition and certainly not democracy. It just gets democracy when it’s election, he said.

Statsvetarprofessor Tommy Möller at Stockholm University are also questions how the Alliance parties should be able to conduct a vigorous opposition whether to abstain in the budget.

I do not understand how it goes together.

Jenny Madestam, also a political scientist at Stockholm University, believes that the announcement follows a line of consensus in Swedish politics.

I think many voters may feel a pride of Swedish democracy a day like this – that it is actually possible to sit down and find solutions, she says.

Taken Force

A clear consequence of the agreement is that the government will get through its budget for the remainder of the term of office and the Sweden Democrats are excluded from influence.

This shows the problems the other parties perceive that SD is, and has now turned the weapon out of his hands on them, Jenny says Madestam.

S-noticed political science professor Ulf Bjereld at University of Gothenburg think SD will highlight his party as the only standing on the people’s side.

Now it is up to The Alliance and the red-green to show clear differences so that voters perceive that there are alternatives, he said.

No surprise

That there was something extra choice was not surprising in statsvetarkretsar.

Among the parties did not have the election, except, perhaps, SD, according to Tommy Möller.

No party can sit back and recoup any victory, and in addition extra election costly and stressful, says Jenny Madestam.

While there is disagreement about who contributed most to a solution was reached.

Here are some different reality images of the portions, says Ulf Bjereld.