The Language of Politicians: A Democracy at a Distance?

In today’s society, many feel that politicians have distanced themselves from their voters more than ever before. This is not just a Swedish phenomenon but a global one. Politicians use a language that is often difficult to understand, filled with technical terms, circumlocutions, and vague phrasing. The result is that citizens do not fully grasp the consequences of the decisions being made, and the decisions that should be close to the people instead exist in a sphere beyond their reach.

There is a clear lack of transparency. Politics takes place behind closed doors, packaged in press conferences where journalists ask anything but sharp questions. Few challenge power, few demand clear answers, and when someone does, it is dismissed as populism or "misunderstanding complex issues." But at its core, democracy is about the fundamental right to understand and question.

Language as a Tool of Power

Over the years, political language has developed into an instrument for preserving power rather than communicating it. Instead of speaking plainly, politicians often skirt around issues with convoluted reasoning and meaningless phrases. Words such as "transition," "necessary measures," "system changes," and "efficiency improvements" are frequently used to reduce public resistance. But what do these terms actually mean for the average citizen? Often, they imply cutbacks, deteriorations in healthcare and welfare, or increased taxes.

This becomes especially evident in political scandals or controversial decisions. Politicians frequently refer to "processes" and "upcoming investigations" to avoid giving direct answers. They cite "governing principles" or "long-term visions" without concretely explaining what these entail in practice.

A telling example is the debate on healthcare in Sweden. Politicians talk about "strengthened resource distribution," "efficiency improvements in healthcare," and "the opportunities of digitalization." But for those waiting in emergency rooms for hours or on specialist care for months, these words mean nothing. What they need are more doctors, more nurses, and a functioning primary care system.

Sweden Needs a Transparency Review

In the United States, there is currently a wave of political scrutiny where corruption and inefficiency are being critically examined. Sweden needs a similar review of its public functions, where we truly assess what we are getting for our money. How are tax revenues used? Who makes the real decisions? How much of taxpayers' money goes to administration and bureaucracy instead of direct societal benefits?

It is also striking how former politicians often secure new public sector positions, despite their effectiveness being questionable. Instead of enduring the humiliating processes at the Swedish Public Employment Service, which regular citizens must go through, their future is safeguarded through comfortable, well-paid roles. This creates a sense of injustice and undermines trust in politics.

Proposed Solutions

1. Mandatory Plain Language Communication: Politicians must communicate their decisions in a clear, comprehensible, and transparent manner. No more circumlocutions or hidden intentions.

2. Public Audit of Tax Funds: An annual report showing exactly where money goes and which decisions led to which expenditures.

3. Direct Democratic Measures: Sweden should take inspiration from Switzerland and introduce more referendums on key societal issues.

4. Independent Citizen Commissions: Oversight bodies that are not politically affiliated but have the mandate to investigate political decisions and their effects.

5. Political Accountability and Consequences: To reduce political hypocrisy and empty promises, politicians who do not fulfill their election promises should be subject to re-election or impeachment.

6. Abolishing Career Politicians: Politics should not be a lifelong profession. Introduce term limits for political positions.

Conclusion

Politics has become a sphere for the few rather than a voice for the people. The language used is not meant to explain but to conceal. Sweden needs a new political direction where transparency, accountability, and the people’s voice once again take center stage. The question we should all be asking is simple: What the hell are we getting for our money?