Aging Europe moans about democratic change

Minority governments have come to power in several European countries and right-wing populists and radicals are enjoying great success. Paralysis, low voter turnout, populism and strong right-wing tendencies are typical phenomena in aging societies, complains the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "Old societies are afraid of change, they perceive it as an imposition, they fear foreign infiltration. In this way Europe's demographic problem is becoming a political problem. At a time when authoritarian systems like those in Asia see themselves as superior European societies are moaning about the hardships of democracy. This is not good for the continent. It must take an interest in whether Geert Wilders wins in court or the Sweden Democrats leave a church service in honour of the opening of parliament in protest, as if it were an election meeting. All these things aren't exactly a sign of great self-assurance."

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