Mar 11 • 14:16 UTC 🇸🇰 Slovakia Denník N

Only Amateurs Rule with Laws. Kaliňák and Fico Want to Govern through Exceptions

The article critiques how contemporary political leaders avoid governing through established laws, opting instead to create a dual system where they can rule without adhering to legal norms.

The article discusses the phenomenon where contemporary leaders, instead of governing through established laws, prefer to create exceptions that allow them to bypass legal norms. This approach is likened to Machiavelli's ideas on the essence of governance; however, it is suggested that today's rulers are far from mastering the political art. The commentary implies that modern governance relies on manipulating exceptions rather than upholding democratic values.

The author highlights that changing laws to suit authoritarian goals is challenging and will attract scrutiny from opposition, media, and institutions like the EU. In contrast, creating a dual system allows leaders to suspend laws quietly while still maintaining an illusion of democracy. This tactic leads to a governance style that is difficult for opponents to navigate, effectively blurring the lines between legitimate and illegitimate authority.

Moreover, the piece emphasizes how ruling parties can rationalize the suspension of laws to the public by inciting fears of threats to society. By exaggerating real or perceived dangers, these leaders can justify exceptional measures, sustaining their grip on power while undermining established legal frameworks. This behavior raises alarms about the declining state of democracy in Slovakia and reflects broader trends observed in various political landscapes worldwide.

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