https://sn.1w6.org/file/clacke-20180329T071549-lx7ctlr.html

@bob The Swedish and German democracies and probably many others, in particular in countries with proportional representation, have long been run by political parties with wide popular support and membership.

It is only in the last 2-3 decades that a true political class has emerged, and in response, membership and support is dwindling.

Of course in the UK and the US, with Lords and political career clans, the split has been a fact for much longer.