In the next two weeks, the rules of conduct of the most important western democracies are set to change, prompting discussions about the potential demise of political systems. It is anticipated that the political center in Britain and France may be declared dead, leading to a chain reaction. The emergence of Thatcherism and Reaganism in the 1980s marked the beginning of a golden age for the free market, inspiring privatization and deregulation worldwide. The upcoming elections in France and Britain, followed by the US elections, could reshape the political landscape drastically.
There are striking similarities between the two young technocratic leaders, Emmanuel Macron in France and Rishi Sunak in Britain, who have called for snap elections. Both leaders face the challenge of extreme factions on the right and left, causing concern among liberals and moderates across Europe. The sudden political gambles made by these leaders have raised questions about the behavior of political leaders in times of crisis and whether they tend to make risky decisions when pushed to a corner.
Sunak’s rise to power in Britain and Macron’s controversial presidency in France highlight the potential downfall of the political center in both countries. The upcoming elections in both nations are expected to yield significant changes in the political landscape, with the rise of extreme factions. The potential shift away from the center towards more polarized politics poses a threat to the stability and functionality of liberal democracies in these countries.
Leaders like Sunak and Macron, who have defied conventional political norms and made bold decisions, may reflect a larger trend of political leaders resorting to drastic measures when facing significant challenges. The upcoming elections in Britain and France will test the resilience of liberal democracies and the ability of their leaders to navigate turbulent political waters.