We have been living in a democracy in Austria since 1945. Although it is getting old, the term and the structures behind it need further development. The political scientist David Packer is therefore committed to democracy innovations. “The parties have become a burden,” he describes the problem in clear terms. “The population could make a better contribution to society than party politicians,” Packer believes, and in the live talk with moderator Conny Winiwarter, it is also about the fact that stricter laws prohibiting extremism are not the right way to go.
Participation is particularly important in a democracy, citizens must “engage and become decision-makers”. Currently, as a society, we act as decision makers in the sense that we can choose our MPs, but “the parties have become a bloc and a leg in the works”. Packer alludes to the prevalent charges of corruption and the “friendship economy” that are part of politics.
“The population could make a better contribution than the politicians”
That has always been the case, but what has changed is that the population no longer tolerates these conditions, says Packer. “The population has the feeling that they themselves can make a good – maybe even better – contribution”.
“Citizens must take action themselves”
Is it true that elected politicians increasingly act without regard to the will of the people? “Partially yes,” says Packer. But it is also clear that if you don’t like democracy as it is, “you have to take responsibility and get active yourself”. Innovations are especially needed in times of turmoil, even if they are “the hardest thing to do in politics, but the most necessary thing”.
Tougher laws against extremism are not the way to go
In connection with right-wing extremists and climate activists, he speaks of “a cry for help”. Politicians lack the necessary empathy to deal with this adequately. Empathy is “just a marketing feint,” criticizes Packer, explaining, “Politics is about marketing and about the election on Election Day, but then it’s really over.” The resentment finds expression in extremism. Stricter laws are not the way to go. Rather, it is about an integration process and the willingness to dialogue.
Demokratiebegriff neu think
For Packer, democracy is the right foundation, despite the innovation potential. If he were to reconsider the concept of democracy, he would want to randomly select people from the population to work out solutions with experts. Packer believes this could eliminate the “ego problem” in politics and make better decisions.
Watch the full interview with David Packer in the video above. You can watch KroneLIVE every Monday through Friday from 9am.
What do you think of democracy? Comment with us!
We explain what everyone is thinking about right now: the latest news conversations with politicians and experts.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
