At the beginning of my book ENLIGHTENED I start with with a quote from Jean-Claude Juncker former Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1995-2013) and president of the European Commission (2014-2019). It says :
'We decide on something, then put it in the room and wait some time to see what happens, If there is no big shouting and no riots, because most of them do not understand what has been decided, then we will continue - step by step until there is no turning back.'
He said this on December 27 1999.
Jean-Claude Juncker's quote reflects a pragmatic and somewhat strategic approach to governance. He describes a method where decisions are made quietly and introduced to the public in a subtle way, essentially testing the waters to see if there is any major backlash.
If the public does not respond with significant resistance, or perhaps even fail to fully grasp the implications of the decision, the government proceeds step by step.
Top Down Rather than Bottom Up
The goal, according to Juncker, is to move forward incrementally until the changes become irreversible. This approach suggests a top-down decision-making process, where the governing body gradually pushes its agenda without seeking active approval or thorough understanding from the public.
In essence, Juncker's statement reveals a type of governance where those in power can manipulate the pace and visibility of policy changes. It reflects a belief that public engagement or comprehension of policies is not always necessary, as long as there is no large-scale opposition.
Not Given the Chance to Consent
This can lead to a situation where significant changes are implemented without the full awareness or consent of the people they affect, allowing the government to shape the future in ways that may not be openly debated or fully understood until it's too late.
Swiss Style Direct Democracy
Contrasting this with Switzerland’s system of direct democracy highlights a fundamental difference in the relationship between government and its people. Switzerland operates on the principle that major decisions should not only be transparent but also subject to the direct consent of its citizens.
Through referendums and initiatives, Swiss citizens have the opportunity to engage in the decision-making process in a meaningful way.
The spirit of direct democracy is not simply about voting; it's about fostering an environment where people are informed, empowered, and trusted to guide the direction of their country.
In Switzerland, the government does not make decisions in isolation, waiting to see if the public will notice or resist. Instead, the people are considered the primary stakeholders, with their voices being heard before major policies are implemented.
This participatory model is built on the belief that governance is a shared responsibility and that transparency and inclusion are vital to a healthy democracy.
Conclusion
While Juncker's approach reflects a more paternalistic view of governance—one in which decisions are made by a few and subtly imposed on the many—the Swiss model emphasizes trust in the people’s capacity to understand and shape their own future.
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