We Get the Politicians We Deserve!

Are we doing enough—as individuals and as a society—to deserve better?

By Andrew Crowley, Rock The Vote NZ Party Leader

The phrase “we get the politicians we deserve” is a provocative way of saying that the quality of political leadership in a democracy reflects the values, engagement, and choices of its citizens.

It’s often traced back to the French philosopher Joseph de Maistre, who wrote, “Every nation gets the government it deserves”. The idea is that in systems where people have the power to vote, stay informed, and hold leaders accountable, the outcome—good or bad—is a reflection of collective civic behaviour.

In modern terms, it’s a reminder that apathy, misinformation, or blind loyalty can lead to poor governance. If voters don’t scrutinize candidates, demand transparency, or participate meaningfully in the democratic process, they may end up with leaders who are unqualified, corrupt, or self-serving.

But it’s also a double-edged phrase. Critics argue it can be used to unfairly blame citizens while ignoring systemic barriers like gerrymandering, media manipulation, or voter suppression that distort democratic outcomes.

So, while the quote carries a grain of truth, it also invites a deeper question:

Are we doing enough—as individuals and as a society—to deserve better?

If we want better leadership, we need to vote better, think better, demand better. Civic apathy, blind partisanship, and disengagement all contribute to the rise of politicians who are more interested in power than principle. In that sense, the phrase is a wake-up call—a reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport.