Lemmings Towards the Next Election |
Israeli politics tends to be quite different from almost all other democracies. But on the face of it, what’s been going on lately is very strange even by Israel’s “outlier” standards. In a nutshell, the governing coalition is running like lemmings off the electoral cliff.
How and why? The phenomenon might be puzzling but it isn’t inexplicable.
Normally, the year prior to elections is generally characterized by the government’s policies and legislation seeking to endear it to the public. This can include tax cuts, increased social spending, and popular reforms – all part of a traditional strategy to increase electoral support and minimize criticism.
However, when a government clearly sees that defeat is inevitable it might paradoxically double down on its core issues, even if highly controversial. In other words, when a leader is convinced of losing the election, core ideological goals will be pursued with vigor, even if deeply unpopular. Realizing that time is short, serious attempts are made to rush controversial reforms through the legislative process. There might also be an element of spite – a final act of defiance against the opposition about to oust them electorally.
Israel today is witness to this. The government has been faced with a wave of public discontent and ongoing protests. Thus, for the past two years Israel’s polls have consistently predicted an........