My understanding of the UK is there's a widespread trust in institutions and governance that has only recently started to erode in a big way.
If I'm right, it's pretty easy to fit the platform "we just do the stuff you expect," into that political climate.
Conversation
Then there is the secondary point: not every political party exists to take power, per se.
There are other things that can be gained even as a minority, so long as you're not in a one- or two-party system.
2
1
Replying to
Yeah, in theory, although I suspect you have to narrow down your activism (as it effectively becomes) to a relatively small range of key points - eg the Greens on Climate Change (and opposing may of the things that could help, such as nuclear power and GM crops, but I digress).
1
Replying to
You're forgetting the other side of the coin is that politicians are generally underpaid & often incompetent.
If you can secure enough influence to protect the right interests, your bread can be buttered for a long time. It can be as minor as securing a certain contract for sbdy
2
1
As for activism, well, yes. But it's something that has worked extremely well for Norwegian political parties, historically speaking.
With govts commonly holding a parliamentary minority, it's actually fairly easy to undercut them on key votes (thus securing outsize influence).
1
Replying to
In some ways that does sound like a better situation, but does it lead to deadlock?
1
Replying to
There is a parliamentary mechanism, a vote of confidence, where the cabinet calls a vote on an issue. If they lose the vote, they disband the cabinet.
It's a way to stop minor parties bullying too much when they have the deciding vote, and also helps remove weak governments.
2
Replying to
Interesting... so does policy generally flow through with reasonable expedience? Or are there periods of only risk-averse policy-making?
1
Replying to
That strongly depends on the motivations of parliament, but it's generally not a good idea to advertise your indecisiveness while in power...
That said, Norwegian culture is generally quite risk-averse, so most policy-making until recently has reflected that.
1
However, despite a bunch of cool parliamentary mechanisms, there is also some bullshit.
Coalitions are made at the discretion of the constituent parties, so you can gain a "majority" by combining three or four parties.
2
Also, it's a fucking democracy. There's nothing preventing voters from sawing their own legs off, or politicians from fucking up.
As they've done for two terms now...
Replying to
Do you see anywhere in the world where things are going well for social democrats? Any centre left position is being squeezed. Often it's their own fault.
Even all the chest-puffing about Corbyn's "accomplishments" is about reducing a minority after his party fucked itself.
1
1
Show replies