Politics and Economy: Who Really Holds the Power?

In a world that is increasingly interconnected and complex, an inevitable question arises: who really holds the power? In theory, politics should be the main pillar of society, guided by values and principles aimed at improving people's lives. However, the reality seems quite different. Often, politics appears to be subordinated to economic logic, governing more for consensus than for the collective good, and adapting to the interests of those who hold real economic power.

Politics, in its ideal form, should focus on the well-being of the community, promoting equitable and sustainable development. Yet, today, it seems that the ultimate goal of politics is consensus: to obtain and maintain votes becomes the primary objective, while actually governing takes a backseat. This phenomenon translates into an attitude of avoiding displeasure and compromise, to the detriment of bold decisions that could truly improve society.

This subordination to electoral consensus creates a politics often fearful of displeasing this or that economic power group, ultimately limiting the potential for real change. In such a context, every decision seems to be conditioned by the fear of losing votes rather than by the desire to deeply impact society.

In a complex society, it’s natural that there are different actors with differing interests: companies, unions, citizens, institutions. Everyone has the right to see their interests protected, but when the interest of a specific group prevails over the common good, a problem arises. Often, politics fails to balance these interests equitably, ending up sacrificing core principles and values, such as justice and fairness, in favor of convenient agreements.

Politics should be able to navigate between economic interests and the collective well-being, but this balance proves difficult to achieve. When economic power dominates, decisions become a matter of compromise, and what would be right is sacrificed for what is convenient.

This subordination of politics to economic power becomes evident in processes of globalization and the growing influence of large multinational corporations. In many cases, large companies now have greater economic power than entire nations. This imbalance makes it difficult, if not impossible, for governments to maintain real independence. Political decisions are often shaped by the pressures of economic lobbies, to the detriment of transparency and public interest.

In such a context, it is inevitable to ask: who is really in charge? If the decisions that affect people's lives are made more to appease economic interests than to improve society, politics risks becoming a mere management tool, rather than a true agent of change.

Not all is lost. There are still leaders and movements striving to regain control of politics, returning it to its primary role of serving the common good. However, for politics to truly take the reins of society again, it must manage to free itself, at least in part, from economic influences and find the courage to make unpopular but just decisions.

A return to the fundamental principles of politics requires a new vision, in which the value of people and society is placed above the economic interests of a few. Without this shift, the risk is that politics will continue to lose its autonomy, becoming a mere cog in an economic system that does not respond to the real needs of people.

Reclaiming political autonomy is a complex but necessary challenge for a more equitable society. Economic power is important, but it cannot be the only criterion for governance. Politics, to be effective, must return to representing the real needs of society, taking on the courage to choose for the common good, even when it means displeasing a few.

In an ideal world, politics should govern to create a better future, not simply to win the next election. Only in this way can politics truly contribute to the development and well-being of people, regaining its central and autonomous role in building a just and inclusive society.