Headless optimism

In the last few years, we have witnessed the perception and image of the political class across Europe and the English-speaking world crumbling in the eyes of their respective electorates.

After the last financial crisis a number of simmering issues that had lain dormant for a considerable time started to bubble to the surface. Unemployment, income inequality, the untouchable banks, an increasingly impersonal European Union and the migration onslaught wreaked havoc on a delicate political balancing act. This schism was felt more strongly in particular countries although very few nations can safely say they were insulated from this. As frustrations kept on growing, political forces dubbed as right wing, nationalist and anti-establishment found increasing support from a populace that was disheartened, angry and impotent in the face of emerging crisis.

On the European front things were not getting any rosier after the financial debacle of the years 2008/2009. Greece was dragged through the mud as patchy solutions were cobbled together to keep the peace and save the skins of major European banks. The emerging migration crisis and the advancing swell of humanity, a function of a crumbling Middle Eastern status quo, added the necessary tinder for a full-blown electoral backlash.

The European Union is facing some of its most urgent challenges since its inception over 60 years ago. Undoubtedly, the UK Brexit vote has sounded the clearest alarm so far. While respecting the will of the people, it has become evident that the British political class had by no means prepared itself for a leave vote. I remain amazed at the tongue in cheek exit of David Cameron following the mess he left behind after the June vote. The way things developed confirms once again the shortsightedness of some political figures. In an attempt to quell an uncomfortable minority within his party, Cameron threw caution to the wind with unintended consequences. Such a stellar personal electoral performance only a year before was drowned and disbanded. Less than six months from the Brexit vote, Cameron was not even an MP any longer!

US politicians are faring no better in the unattractiveness stakes. The leaders of the most powerful nation in the world have over the last few years displayed an unflattering approach to bi-partisan politics. Although