"Studies on the Labour manifesto. It concludes that, despite recognising both the dire state of the public services and the fiscal squeeze, Labour has no credible plans for addressing either.
It is worth quoting this devastating judgment: "The public service spending increases promised in the 'costings' table are tiny, going on trivial. The tax rises, beyond the inevitable reduced tax avoidance, even more trivial. The biggest commitment, to the much vaunted 'green prosperity plan', comes in at no more than €5bn a year, funded in part by borrowing and in part by "a windfall tax on the oil and gas giants".
"Beyond that, almost nothing in the way of definite promises on spending despite Labour diagnosing deep-seated problems across child poverty, homelessness, higher education funding, adult social care, local government finances, pensions and much more besides. Definite promises though not to do things. Not to have debt rising at the end of the forecast. Not to increase tax on working people. Not to increase rates of income tax, National Insurance, VAT or corporation tax."
This is the politics of evasion. Behind it is a theory of democratic politics: never recognise the truth. As a way to win elections, this might make sense. But, as an approach to government, it is a clear danger, since it prepares nobody for what needs to be done. As a way to treat democracy itself, it is even worse. By treating the voters as mere children, it can only guarantee ever-rising cynicism about our politics. If we cannot admit to voters the harsh realities we face, they will increasingly distrust politicians and so our democracy itself."
Como refere Joaquim Aguiar, ganham-se eleições mas não se ganha legitimidade.
Trechos retirados de "Absence of honesty in UK election will undermine democracy"
Parte I de III.
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