In today's world, the decisions made by politicians can significantly impact our lives. Thus, it stands to reason that their selection should be more stringent.

It might seem overly simplistic, but the clarity of the situation often emerges when it concerns finances. Money has a peculiar way of gravitating towards politicians, especially when they are involved.

Building a successful business or attaining a desirable job position is no easy feat. Once achieved, individuals quickly realize that maintaining those accomplishments is the real challenge.

As someone from Barcelona, Spain, I feel compelled to share my perspective. Spain is among the most politically charged societies in Europe, constantly under the EU's watchful eye regarding various funding initiatives.

For decades, Spanish politicians have been embroiled in scandals involving corruption, the trading of influence, the awarding of lucrative public contracts in exchange for favors, and even ties to organized crime.

This situation may be a consequence of Spain being the only EU country that endured a dictatorial regime for forty years. The nation has only truly been a "democracy" since 1977.

I was born in 1979, which means our democratic experience is nearly on par with the years under a repressive fascist regime.

Before I began writing this article, I wasn't aware of a certain video. Despite its comedic nature, it raises a valid and profound question that resonates in Spain: Why are professional politicians often viewed as professional deceivers?

Consider the standards applied to various professions: a professional football player must win championships, a chef strives for Michelin stars and rave reviews, a lawyer aims to win cases, and a politician’s primary goal is to win elections.

It is astonishing to witness the decline in the caliber of political leaders today. Mediocrity, sociopathy, and a lack of integrity have become the norm.

Competence, empathy, and humanity have become the rare exceptions.

The political landscape resembles a reality show, leading one to wonder if we should merely have skilled professionals working behind the scenes while actors take center stage.

This situation is hardly amusing; for millions, politicians represent a major issue. In Spain, they are often considered the foremost problem, even above unemployment or the pandemic.

How has it come to this? How have those meant to represent the public become perceived as a primary problem? The answer is straightforward: politicians focus solely on winning elections, while genuine public service seems relegated to other professions.

In a grim twist, the Spanish far-right party recently argued that Trump bore no responsibility for the Capitol riot, claiming that:

> “No political leader can be held responsible for the actions of citizens.”

This statement appears to overlook the historical context of leaders like Hitler and their influence over followers. It epitomizes professional irresponsibility. Imagine any advisory board of a fraudulent company absolving their CEO of accountability.

Sadly, we have witnessed similar scenarios. In 2008, numerous CEOs received hefty compensations while their firms contributed to the global economic crisis—what they termed a bubble, I term corporate terrorism.

> Corporate terrorism consists of crimes aimed at generating more consumers, such as fraud, misleading propaganda, and bribing politicians to enact consumer-encouraging legislation.

My question is, would you entrust your company to any of the executives whose actions precipitated one of the most significant economic downturns in recent history?

If not, how is it conceivable that voters would support candidates who are evidently unqualified for roles whose decisions impact countless lives?

Politicians expect us to make decisions based on hollow slogans, fabricated narratives, and a lack of demonstrated competence and experience.

Would you hire a delusional manager?

Would you attend a crucial job interview donning a slogan-emblazoned shirt and a baseball cap while boasting, "I'm the best; my opponents are inferior; I will make your company great again"?

Such behavior seems absurdly ludicrous. Yet, this is the routine every four years. In Spain, only 36% of politicians possess genuine professional experience.

They are aware of this issue; they recognize their lack of credibility and competence. Their solution? They fabricate their career narratives.

How is it that ordinary people must achieve such extraordinary levels of excellence to secure a promising career, reasonable compensation, and a fulfilling life?

I recall applying for a Global Marketing Director position, where the second step involved a rigorous mental and logic assessment.

It was a lengthy, challenging, time-constrained test. Although I did not pass, I understood its significance. When entrusting critical decisions to someone else, it is essential to be entirely confident in their capabilities.

In my most recent job search, I faced seven rounds of interviews, ultimately succeeding.

Had I enjoyed the backing of sponsors or donors, my marketing team, a catchy slogan, substantial media investments, and a fabricated success story about being a self-made individual, would I have sailed through every interview?

Most likely not.

It appears that while society continues to raise standards, our politicians are lowering theirs.

As Paul Arden stated in his book, "It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be":

> “It’s not what you know, it's who you know.”

This mantra has become paramount for politicians today. The qualifications of leaders like Angela Merkel, a scientist with a background in physics who has advocated for trusting science throughout the pandemic, or Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister and a Harvard-awarded talent, seem irrelevant.

What matters is not the knowledge of those who stand out against the backdrop of mediocrity but rather their connections.

How have we arrived at this juncture?

How have we become disconnected from those who are supposed to lead us?

How can it be that younger generations, committed to improving the world, do not view politicians as part of the solution?

> “A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. BUT THEY DON’T NECESSARILY SEE POLITICS AS THE WAY TO DO IT.” > — Scott Warren, Visiting Fellow, SNF Agora Institute

Is this the outcome of insular power dynamics that have persisted for centuries?

Is the current level of global leadership so low because the most engaged voters tend to be less educated, more extreme, and easily manipulated?

> "The relationship between educational attainment and partisan preference has flipped: Now, college-educated voters are more likely to support putative workers’ parties, while non-college-educated ones tend to favor conservatives." > — New York Magazine.

There is a saying: Society has the leaders it deserves.

Perhaps it holds some truth. Frankly, I struggle to envision a resolution to this predicament. Our democracy clearly requires evolution. Following Brexit, the power of social media manipulation became evident to all, especially politicians.

In documentaries like “The Great Hack” and “The Social Dilemma,” we see social platforms weaponized against us, transforming our world into a data-extraction farm.

If you think that "against us" is an overstatement, consider this:

After the Brexit vote, one of the most searched queries on Google was "what is the E…". Searches included fundamental questions about Brexit and its implications.

Interestingly, by mid-last year, experts began warning about the potential fallout from leaving the EU.

A YouGov study indicated that Cambridge Analytica did not sway public opinion post-Brexit, despite having significantly more information about the lives of individuals.

Our esteemed protectors, the politicians, may not have considered the disastrous implications for countless small businesses.

I pose the same question again.

Would you hire an advisor or manager who would lead your business toward disaster while shifting the blame to outsiders?

The world is currently facing unprecedented challenges.

Leadership, collaboration, and robust strategies should be paramount for any global leader. Unfortunately, many politicians appear ill-equipped for this role.

Trust forms the foundation of all relationships, from religious beliefs to the stock market.

Why is it that government trust levels are typically at or below 50% in seven of the twelve nations assessed?

It is troubling that Spain exhibits the lowest trust levels in Europe, on par with Russia. If this doesn't highlight the issue, consider that Spain is also the nation hardest hit by the recession.

This situation underscores the current weakness and confusion within my country. In the midst of a global pandemic, politicians seem more preoccupied with their electoral prospects than with ensuring that people have access to food.

These statistics reveal a stark contradiction between the narratives presented in mainstream news (including social media) and the data itself.

Do we possess the leaders required for today's world?

Are we witnessing the most degenerate phase in political history?

Are politicians merely catering to radicalized segments to become the next trending topic?

Is Western democracy equipped to face a reality that increasingly favors collective societies over individualistic ones?

The weaponization of social media further illustrates politicians’ singular focus: winning elections.

In this hyperpolarized environment, where issues are framed as either "with us" or "against us," politicians have crafted the perfect scenario for perpetual conflict.

Politics remains a vital aspect of society, yet it is far removed from its ideal role in a modern, progressive world.

We place our trust in professionals like doctors, accountants, surgeons, and psychiatrists—those responsible for our well-being.

Why, then, do we lack superior options for individuals whose decisions impact the daily lives of countless people?

And more importantly, why do they appear so disconnected from reality?

Are they merely a reflection of our society?

Are cryptocurrencies, algorithms, and blockchain governance systems the answers we seek?

Regrettably, I cannot provide optimistic solutions.

I sense an entire generation yearning for leadership that aligns with the needs of today’s world.

Stay healthy.

Oliver.