Machiavelli, in his “Discourses on Livy,” looked to the Roman Republic for guidance in times of crisis and political unrest, noting the importance of mediating conflicts between elites and the general population to maintain civic freedom. He argued that the key to Roman freedom was their ability to balance the interests of the wealthy elites and the majority of the people. The Roman Republic had institutions such as the tribunate of the plebs that empowered the people and contained the elites, allowing for a more equitable distribution of power.
However, modern Europe has not followed Machiavelli’s advice, with the European Union being criticized for its oligarchic structure. The EU is controlled by unelected technocrats in the European Commission, with minimal popular consultation on policy decisions. The bloc’s fiscal rules favor the wealthy while imposing austerity on the poor, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing the interests of a few over the needs of the majority. This concentration of power in the hands of the wealthy few limits the freedom of the many, echoing the dynamics seen in Machiavelli’s analysis of the Roman Republic.
In addition to the EU, other powerful entities such as businesses, financial institutions, and interest groups exert significant influence over political decision-making, constraining the power of elected officials. While nation-states can maintain a semblance of democratic participation through shared constitutions, the EU’s emphasis on the free market complicates the case for democracy within the bloc. The disconnect between the people and their representation within the EU has led to a growing disillusionment and resistance among the population, particularly in light of the upcoming Parliament elections.
The lack of democracy within the EU, exemplified by the limited legislative power of the Parliament in comparison to the Commission, has created a representative gap that is filled by radical right movements. This gap has led to a polarization of views, with individuals aligning themselves with binary choices between the state and Europe, the white worker and the migrant. The failure of the EU to adequately represent its citizens has fueled discontent and sparked political movements that seek to address the imbalance of power within the bloc. Ultimately, the challenge for the EU lies in bridging the gap between the interests of the few and the needs of the many, in order to preserve civic freedom and democratic values.
