According to many surveys, an increasing number of people are indicating that they favour political leaders who would act without democratic restraints. Support for right-wing authoritarian parties has been growing across Europe. In the US, despite all the warnings about Trump’s readiness to follow Project 2025’s guide to dismantle all checks and balance, he was elected president again. In the UK, the party leader keenest to copy Trump’s autocratic approach and most vocal in getting rid of existing human rights protection without putting any safeguards in their place, is leading in the opinion polls.
Must we accept that we will all end up like the US and Hungary, and be at the mercy of leaders who will do whatever they want regardless of the consequences for others? History has shown that when enough people tip the balance to allow power to get into the hands of a Caesar, a Napoleon, a Mussolini, a Hitler, the will of one man would override the concerns of any elected senate or assembly, until absolute rule is entrenched [Note 1].
Clearly the moment to prevent tyrants (still donning their masks of ‘men of the people’) from taking the highest public office is when the people are still free to expose their flaws, and take action to block any imposition of dictatorial control. Let us look at five counter-measures that should be activated straightaway.
[1] Start spreading the news
Remind people what their flagship policies such as Brexit have done to ruin the economy, increase the cost of living, and lower employment prospects. Don’t let them shrug off every time one of their candidates or office holders gets found out about their offensive views on minorities, or how in practice they run the public bodies they control.
[2] We do need more education
It cannot be controversial to ensure that history lessons cover the events that led to authoritarians winning over public support with false promises, and then imposing oppressive controls and policies that ruined their countries. At the same time, youth engagement should be revitalised to enable young people to learn the critical value of democratic cooperation in managing problems.
[3] We all stand together
We must reach out to influential members of all political parties who care about justice and accountability more than partisan advantages, and work together to oppose those seeking to take and abuse power. The growing tendency to attack impartial judges and disparage safeguards to protect innocent people can only be countered if enough politicians firmly push back.
[4] On His Majesty’s Special Service
Let us not leave the discussion about the allegiance of our public servants, especially those in law enforcement and the armed services, until a crisis erupts with an autocrat invoking his electoral mandate. Under the 1688 settlement, power rests ultimately with the people, and no leader can command servants of the Crown to deter, arrest, detain, or deport anyone without due process.
[5] Land of jobs and homes
In parallel with the above actions, responsible politicians should start delivering on job creation and support for transitioning between jobs (see for example: National Insurance+: a policy for jobs); more genuinely affordable homes to rent and buy; and reduced charges on water, energy and other utilities. Offering people what they really need is the best cure for siren politics.
A large number of people are tempted by the myth of a ‘strong’ leader rescuing them from all their troubles. But in truth, no one would have much of a future if tyrants were allowed to take power.
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Note 1: Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon’s nephew), as the elected President of the second French Republic, organised a plebiscite which he won to become Emperor for life. Mussolini did not win any election, but was made Prime Minister of Italy by the king. He went on to obtain the support of the legislature to grant him dictatorial power for one year during which time he removed all democratic restraints on his position as leader.
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