By: Mike Hosking | Monday, May 07, 2012

You have to wonder if all the change that's sweeping through Europe at the moment is actually going to help them with the fact they don't have any money, can't keep a secret, and are so deep in debt their eyes water.

Democracy is the weak link in the austerity plan. They get a budget, they set a target so the numbers get sorted, but then because no one likes it the first chance they get to punish someone they do.

Does Hollande win because they love the guy, or because the other bloke made them suffer?

Does the Greek result come about because those that have got the votes have a plan, or because the concept of actually living within their means is so foreign to your average Greek they will do anything to avoid it?

The conservatives got thrashed over the weekend in local elections in Britain.

Leaders all over Europe have been heaved out of office as a result of the Euro meltdown. Some deserved it, given they were the architects of the shambles, but some didn’t given they were part of the solution.

Italy is probably the best example of a country that actually looks like they might have their act together. Mario Monti was appointed, not elected.

Mario is a numbers man, and isn’t answerable to the voter. He worked out what needed doing, and did it. Remarkably since he’s been installed you’ll note Italy is off the radar, and getting on with it.

Democracy is odd as it sounds like it simply adds to the economic uncertainty. Given whatever austerity plan you come up with can’t be counted on, as the people may simply vote to get rid of it. And they do that because it’s the easy way out.

Solving Europe’s financial worries isn’t all that complex; you spend less, make more, or do a bit of both.

But people don’t like that, it’s too hard. So the moment they get a chance to try and escape it they do.

Francois Hollande will tax top earners in France 75 percent, and spend money on the public service; does anyone really think that’s the answer?

It’s entirely possible Greece will be run by a cobbled together collection of political odd-balls, who only got support because they weren’t the other lot.

Is that really an answer?

Democracy might be great when it comes to free choice and free will, but as European after European vote is showing us, it’s hopeless when it comes to actually addressing serious issues.