Limitations and shortcomings of politics (1)

Is the negative image of politics (and politicians) justified?

Since I have not been politically active for three years, and since I neither expect nor ask anything from it, nor need I please anyone, I am free to say whatever I wish. And perhaps this will help towards overcoming the enormous divide that exists between many people and the political class.

Let us begin with two points in favour of politics and politicians (including Catalan politicians).

Point one: Politics (and politicians) is entirely necessary. Because it is the area in which proposals are formulated that, for the most part, can only be approved at a political level. Civil society is determined by a country’s health and progress, but there are decisions that it cannot make. Above all, because it lacks the instruments to do this, and also because it is not obliged to act in the public interest, since it is a platform from where the various sectors of society defend opposing interests, whether legitimate or not. There must be someone to decide, someone to make decisions in the public interest. And that someone is the politician, who may act appropriately or inappropriately, fairly or unfairly, but he or she is the one who will make the decision. This is the politician’s job. The politician’s profession is essential for the advancement and performance of a country. Sometimes criticism reaches a point where people say, “We’d be better off without politics and politicians”. Were this to occur, a country would be doomed to immobilisation and decline.

Point two. Are politicians always ready for the great responsibility of public office? Of course, they are not. And in Catalonia? Certainly not, either. But I ask people who disapprove of politicians one question: Has Catalonia advanced over the last 30 years or not? Have people’s lives on the whole improved or not? Little or much? Has the standard of living improved? And what about living conditions?

I know there are innumerable problems, but would anyone wish to return to the situation of 30 years ago?

Who should take credit for this? Society in large part. The advancement of its social outlook. But also the climate. The political and economic situation of our time within Europe. And we owe much to European integration. But without politics and politicians (the Catalans and the Spanish in general), much little or nothing would have been achieved. It has been the work of all, and without the judiciousness of many people, the transition to democracy would have failed. But none of this has been driven by politicians. They made decisions and guided policy, the economy and, ultimately, society in a largely positive manner.

It is also often said that politicians are not concerned with the people’s real interests. This is not true. Were it true, there would not be the progress there has been. And I am not referring to statistical progress (the evolution of the Gross Domestic product, for example), but to concrete progress, closely linked with people. Behind every new hospital, every new stretch of road, every tract of irrigated land, every new university, every sewage treatment plant, or every centre for the mentally disabled there may have been a private contribution of effort – sometimes extremely important, sometimes less so, sometimes insignificant -, but there is always a political decision and a political action.

As I said at the beginning, from an independent perspective, far removed from the world of politics, without any need for applause, I allow myself to say this and I call on people to reflect. Because systematic criticism of politics is harmful to society. 

At any rate, - if this were the case -, why this animosity towards politics and politicians? Such a widespread feeling must have an explanation. If we know how to respond to it, we – politicians and ordinary people- may better understand its mechanism and find a better way of understanding the real world and how things are done. And build better mutual respect.

We will address this question in the next editorial.