Syp Wynia discusses declining voter influence and rising state control

In a discussion on WWTV, Syp Wynia argues that the influence of voters over the state is diminishing while state control over citizens is increasing. Wynia notes that this trend is visible in both Germany and the Netherlands.

Wynia suggests that political legitimacy is declining due to the exclusion of certain voter groups. Despite this, governments continue to introduce new regulations, prohibitions, fines, and taxes. He points out that while Dutch voters previously leaned right, government policies often remained left-leaning, a trend he claims is continuing under Rob Jetten.

Key areas of friction include defense spending, asylum policy, and climate regulations. Wynia asserts that nitrogen policies in the Netherlands were driven by activists and ecologists rather than voter priority. He further attributes the loss of national power to the transfer of authority to international entities such as the EU, UN, NATO, and the Council of Europe. This perceived disconnect has led voters toward populist parties, which are often subsequently excluded from the political process.