The European malaise: when democracy stops promising

Western European societies are experiencing a profound malaise rooted in a crisis of trust in democratic institutions and the future. This discontent is not solely due to economic factors like inflation or housing crises, but also stems from a growing skepticism about whether democracy can address essential societal issues. Many citizens feel that their expectations for a better life are unmet, leading to a perception that the social contract has failed. This disillusionment opens the door for populism, which offers simplistic solutions to complex problems. While dissatisfaction with political systems is evident, many still value democracy itself. The challenge lies in restoring faith in democratic processes and ensuring that political decisions reflect the realities of citizens' lives. Without this, the risk of nostalgia for past political solutions grows, threatening the future of democracy in Europe.