by Julie Smith
First published 2005
Julie Smith confronts a political system in crisis. For twenty-five years, European citizens have cast ballots for Parliament members, yet voter participation remains dismally low. Citizens focus on domestic issues rather than continental governance. Meanwhile, critics argue that the European Union lacks democratic legitimacy altogether. Smith refuses to accept this status quo. She proposes a radical restructuring that would link parliamentary elections directly to executive power. Her solution centers on transforming how the European Commission gains authority. Citizens could choose the Commission President through direct voting, or select the entire College of Commissioners through indirect methods. The choice depends on whether Europe adopts parliamentary or presidential governance. Smith's vision promises to bridge the gap between voters and European leadership, transforming apathetic elections into meaningful democratic exercises.
Genres: political-science, politics, non-fiction, european-literature, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: reform
Setting: Europe
Period: 21st-century
148 pages · Paperback · Chatham House