Populism: Focusing on the People's Interest

Ever since the times of ancient philosophy, the focus of politics has been the well-being of the people, which has been ensured, throughout history, through various approaches. The search for a leader that is honest and also able to do justice can be seen as one of the constant wishes of the people. The way politicians build their public image struggles to achieve this sentiment of trust. Currently, Populism has risen in popularity since it claims to promote the interests of the masses, of the “pure” people, and not those of the corrupted political elite. Populism gives citizens the feeling that they are in control and free to make the right choice of leader to ensure their well-being. The present paper will rely on the fact that the increasing individualism across the world is being exploited here with respect to the citizens, who want to feel that they have the freedom of choice. The question is to what extent they truly have this freedom and to what extent they change one ideology with another. Is this alternative ideology, being tolerated next to the so-called mainstream one, an illusion or not? The paper will include the case study of a Post-Communist country, Romania.