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Norway's King Harald dies aged 89 (www.bbc.com)

submitted 3 weeks ago by stepan@lemmy.ca to c/world@lemmy.world

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[-] otter@lemmy.ca 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

The thing is

There are delusional leaders in democratic systems that build a cult of personality and market themselves as having been picked by God to lead, some even going to authoritarian lengths to cement their rule. The united states is currently one of those countries, and I think that is a far more dangerous thing to block from my country than Norway's monarchy
many monarchies are hereditary celebrities rather than hereditary leaders, where the position is kept around for the tourism value and they do not have (or claim to have) any right to rule over people

So when you make a comment saying that "they deserved it" about someone whose crime is being born into the spotlight, despite any good they may have done with that position, people are going to think you're an uninformed jerk.

[-] BlaestEgnen@feddit.dk 2 points 3 weeks ago

many monarchies are hereditary celebrities rather than hereditary leaders, where the position is kept around for the tourism value and they do not have (or claim to have) any right to rule over people

There is some power, although due to it not having been exercised for a century. Lawyers argue the legal texts are no longer binding.

But they're ultimately the last entity that should block a party, if they turn full on authoritarian. All democracies need a non political entity, to overlook the democratic process and stop undemocratic moves.

Finland has a president for the same reason, and likewise does several other European nations.

this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2026

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