European Voter Apathy—Why?

In Europe as a whole a record low 43% of voters turned out last week to choose who would represent them in the European parliament. In the United Kingdom the percentage that voted was barely over 33%—ten percent less than the European average.

Certainly some are suspicious of the intentions of the architects of the new Europe. Others see eventual intigration into Europe as the only way forward.

So why are these feelings not expressed by citizens voting for those who would champion their cause? Why so little involvement in this process in the UK?

Milking the tax-payers?

In recent weeks, British voters have been stunned by a series of revelations published in the Daily Telegraph about expense claims by members of parliament from all parties. The public was shocked by the manner in which members of parliament were using "the system" to personally benefit financially.

According to Andrew Grice, political editor of The Independent, "The anger over the behaviour of MPs is spread across the political spectrum. Some 89 per cent of Tory supporters agree that the main parties have let the country down—a view shared by 67 per cent of Liberal Democrat supporters and 59 per cent of those intending to vote Labour." This was reflected in the major parties loosing votes to smaller parties like the Green party, UK Independence Party, and the British National Party.

Crisis for small businesses

Politicians have all but nationalised some of the major banks. In this economic climate it is not surprising that popular opinion puts pressure on the govenment to reduce or eliminate large bonuses being paid to executives whose risky decisions had led to the collapse.

Now car manufacturers are hoping for billions of pounds to avert major job losses and the death of the motor industry, one of the largest and oldest manufacturing businesses. The British economy can hardly afford additional pressure. And soaring unemployment would be disasterous for any government in power.

On the other hand, small businesses are struggling to obtain bridging finance from the banks to survive cash flow problems. Many would say small businesses are the backbone of the British economy, yet the banks seem to have clammed up, or at least made it very difficult to borrow.

What should we expect from our leaders?

The reputation of officials, leaders and parliamentary representatives has perhaps never been so poor. A few decades ago, good character was an important ingredient of a candidate for holding an office.

When the media revolution in the 1960s thrust people into the eyes of the public through television, film, music or print, the exposure gave them sudden and broad influence. They may have been people with talent, but not necessarily admirable character.

For a nation to be successful and happy, leaders need to exemplify good qualities. As the proverb says: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan" (Proverbs 29:2).

The government of the future

The time is coming when a different type of government will rule: "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15).

The Scriptures also tell us, "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection ... they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:6).

As the world's future King Jesus Christ told His disciples, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave" (Matthew 20:25-27, New Living Translation, emphasis added).

Traits of "servant" leaders

The apostle Paul describes some of the qualities Christ looks for when appointing leaders. They must: "have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business. Instead, they must be friendly to strangers and enjoy doing good things. They must also be sensible, fair, pure, and self-controlled" (Titus 1:7-8, Contemporary English Version).