Populist leaders
Solving the economic crises was presented as the reason for expanding government power and limiting citizens' rights.
Marginalised workers usually don't want to hear arcane economic arguments when confronting low wages, unemployment and job insecurity.
Countries are increasingly being governed by radical popular politicians keen to exploit the average voter's fear and insecurities.
Economic and social turmoil have led voters to allow the democratic process to be severely eroded.
In many countries, the media has become a tool of the ruling party or leader, leaving virtually no possibility of disseminating opposing viewpoints or critical arguments domestically.
Once populists have gained power, a typical tactic is to attack the press or the justice system as being part of the problem, not the solution.
Autocratic leaders
In extreme cases, the populists become true autocrats by stifling any form of opposition, pointing out that they, and only they, are able to solve the economic problems in a way that will benefit the average worker.
Autocratic leaders often enrich themselves and their families at the expense of the voters or workers they are ostensibly there to protect.
The dirty little secret of autocratic leaders is that many are more interested in protecting their own interests, such as protecting selected political supporters or an inner circle of oligarchic businesspeople, so they play to the fears of average citizens, manipulating them into voting against the economic interests of the country as a whole.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said today the 10-minute airtime given to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties to explain their polls manifesto was “suitable”.