AI Says...
In the past, the political arena was seen as noble and dignified, a space reserved for great orators and visionaries, where statesmen and stateswomen distinguished themselves through their ability to embody high values. Humanism, intelligence, elegance, and vision were the cornerstones of their public image. Without social media distorting their messages or images, they stood out through their subtlety and elevation, aiming to unite rather than divide. Yet, this model of “class” in politics seems to have vanished, replaced by a generation of louder, more provocative, and often more polarizing leaders. Social media plays a central role in this shift, shaping political discourse through soundbites, provocations, and relentless controversies.
Politics with Class: The Era of Humanists and Visionaries
Until the 1990s, political figures made an effort to embody a model of knowledge and wisdom. Their language, their demeanor, and even their dress reflected a “class” that distinguished them from other citizens. Figures like François Mitterrand, John F. Kennedy, and Willy Brandt stood out for their ability to articulate complex ideas, offer a vision for society, and inspire respect through intelligence. Even ideological differences were defended with a certain decorum, and criticisms of opponents were often expressed through thoughtful, measured arguments.
This model of political figure was shaped by the need to win citizens’ trust through a reputation built on respect, cultivated in intellectual forums and public discourse. The absence of social media meant their public image was less subject to instant emotion and indignation. Their actions and words were conveyed by moderate media, which slowly constructed a lasting reputation rather than generating instant, often superficial reactions.
Social Media and the Shift to “Scandalous” Politics
With the arrival of social media in the early 2000s, the game changed completely. The rise of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram transformed political communication. Social media rewards the most outrageous statements, the harshest attacks, and the most polarized stances. In this context, being loud and provocative attracts more attention than being thoughtful and measured. The speed of posting and the virality of content have redefined the standards of political notoriety: outrage and scandal, more than expertise or skill, have become the engines of visibility.
Politicians adapted to this new dynamic. Figures like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, Boris Johnson, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, and Javier Milei exemplify this political landscape transformed by the digital era. These personalities made a mark by provoking immediate reactions, often through controversial statements, provocative assertions, or even personal attacks and lies. In this new system, being offensive and polarizing is an advantage. Paradoxically, this strategy ensures a lasting place in the political landscape, as social media tends to amplify the loudest, most divisive personalities.
The Paradox of Disproportionate Power
This evolution has allowed leaders of questionable statesmanship to gain disproportionate influence. Their image is built not on skills in governance, diplomacy, or crisis management but on their ability to generate waves of reactions on social media. This power, seemingly out of proportion to their actual qualities as heads of state, raises questions. Indeed, media attention now hinges less on an individual’s values or abilities than on their capacity to generate “buzz.”
Take Donald Trump, who managed to galvanize a voter base by playing on popular indignation and anger, or Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who wield the art of provocation to mobilize polarized electorates. In Argentina, Javier Milei uses a sharp and aggressive tone to express his ultra-liberal and radical opinions, while in France, Mathilde Panot employs fierce criticism to make herself heard within a resolutely anti-establishment opposition.
The Devaluation of Political Values
By spotlighting such divisive leaders, social media actively contributes to the devaluation of fundamental values once integral to political leaders. Ethics, restraint, and respect for opponents are now relegated to the background. Lies become a legitimate campaign tool, while slander is justified under the banner of free speech. Instead of striving for consensus, these public figures play on divisions and reinforce social cleavages to keep their audiences captive.
This phenomenon creates a paradox: although these political figures are criticized for their excesses, they continue to thrive in a system that rewards such behavior. They embody a certain degradation of politics, where media image and online presence trump policy or competence. What was once a stage for debates of ideas has transformed into a spectacle of constant confrontation, where the goal is no longer to persuade but to polarize.
Rethinking Politics in the Digital Era
In light of this reality, the question arises as to how to steer politics back towards a more constructive direction, closer to the ideals of a bygone era when “class” in politics meant something. Reinforcing criteria of competence, ethics, and intelligence becomes essential in an era where instant communication largely shapes public perception. This transformation would require not only a new awareness among political leaders but also a change in the media ecosystem, which today rewards polarizing and aggressive discourse.
Perhaps it’s time for voters and citizens to demand a return to a more respectful political arena, where the value of ideas prevails over noise and outrage. Politics with class should not be a relic of the past but an ideal towards which to strive in a world in search of benchmarks.