10/11/2004 2:52:55 pm
Bold Politicians are Rewarded. Conventional wisdom says that if politicians do controversial things, their voters punish them by voting for someone else the next time. Hence, most politicians follow this doctrine and are very afraid of changing their rhetorics or politics even if the reasons for it are overwhelming. Today, when the European social model is a proven failure and radical change is needed, most politicians don?t dare face it and propose changes. Tony Blair has been an exception, a bold politician who challenges old ideas and dares to pave new ways. And he has so far been re-elected with vast majorities. Gerhard Schröder has, surprisingly, also turned out to be one. His Agenda 2010 of reforms may contain only the first steps, but that is important enough. At first, voters did walk away and the SPD had very bad results in the state elections. The support for Schröder and Angela Merkel of CDU/CSU for chancellor was even. But now support for Schröder grows again, according to The Economist. If you have the guts and strength to stand by your controversial proposals and argue your case - you will win in the long run.