In an interview, a footballer playing in an authoritarian state, offered a pragmatic take on his host nation. He stated that while the country operated under a dictatorship, it seemed to function effectively.
In an interview a footballer playing in an authoritarian state offered a pragmatic take on his host nation. He stated that while the country was a dictatorship, it seemed to function effectively. His comments suggested a total indifference to the lack of democratic freedoms.
Have we reached a point where the smooth running of daily life lulls us into complacency about how our country is governed? As long as the water is running and the garbage is collected, is dissent unnecessary? Sure, criticizing the sultan might land you in jail, but if you keep quiet everything is golden, right? Or is it?
Sweden's century of universal suffrage is a testament to the struggles of those who fought for this right. We, the beneficiaries, have little memory of a time without it. Perhaps we don't fully appreciate the sacrifices made, nor the ongoing battles for democratic freedoms around the world. It feels increasingly like democracy is a privilege we take for granted.
Watching terrible TV or bolstering democracy - the choice is yours.
Complacency creeps in. We face an easy choice: another episode of "The Masked Singer" or an hour-long election debate. As voters, single-issue politics become tempting, drawing us to the loudest voice on that subject, regardless of the bigger picture. This has fuelled populism's rise across Europe, exploiting an electorate's lack of energy to engage in broader, more nuanced, discussions.
This feeds into my anxieties about democracy. Social media echo chambers amplify pre-existing beliefs, reinforcing and perpetuating the divide. Every closed mind unwittingly helps to dig democracy's grave. When independent thought fades and questioning facts becomes a rarity, we stop challenging, stop seeking new perspectives and stop engaging – and that's when the game ends.
The looming European elections underscore this point. Skellefteå's previous turnout? A mere 53%. Half of the people I pass on the street relinquished their voice. This, my friends, exemplifies democracy anxiety in action.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is one of the power centers influenced by voters in the northern regions.
The EU might feel distant in the far north, but democracies rely on citizen involvement.
Democracy requires us to have the endurance to think about more than one issue at a time and to hold our politicians accountable for the trust we place in them.
We achieve this through robust debate and exercising our right to vote. However, this responsibility cannot be shirked by abstaining from voting or resorting to protest voting, simply because it's the path of least resistance, as we become preoccupied with daily routines and sacrifice long-term engagement for immediate comfort.
History suggests moderation is key. The Roman Empire's decline is often linked to excessive feasting and overindulgence.
Consider the fate of the Roman Empire: Did complacency and indulgence contribute to its downfall?
Vote or chill? The choice is yours, but the consequences last.
Think about that the next time you uncork a bottle of wine for the barbecue, instead of taking the ballot paper with you, going to the voting booth and exercising your democratic right. Seriously, think about it.
Åsa Svanberg, freelance leader writer