Voters in democratic countries are increasingly disenchanted with traditional party politics and regard most politicians with skepticism at best and as generally untrustworthy.
In Europe, fringe parties are attracting increasing support. The principal focus of disillusioned voters is the austerity regimes that, the malcontents allege, have been forced by Germany and her close allies in northern Europe on other member states in the European Union.
Despite strong opposition, the countries that have built up the largest debts have so far managed to impose austerity measures on their reluctant peoples, but opposition to austerity is growing.