Why get rid of monarchies?

In 2022, there are 43 sovereign states headed by monarchs. It is not enough among the 193 countries that sit in the United Nations. That’s a lot if you remember that the American and French revolutions happened two centuries ago. Although not all monarchies are alike.

There is a world between the British monarchy, a constitutional monarchy, and the Saudi Arabian monarchy, an absolute monarchy. Other countries, such as Thailand or Morocco, have very strong, but not absolute, monarchies. Moreover, the Vatican can be considered an elective monarchy. From a democratic point of view, all monarchies, whatever their type, are to varying degrees reprehensible.

1. What are the problems of constitutional monarchy?

Constitutional monarchies are milder forms of monarchy. This is the type of monarchy that exists in Canada or the United Kingdom. The sovereign remains officially the head of state there, but in reality, it is hard to see him refusing to sign legislation presented to him by Parliament. In this context, the monarchy risks coming under pressure from elected officials and the population. However, constitutional monarchies promote inequality of citizens before the law. Their monarchs paid virtually no taxes. They are above the law. Their power is inherited by birth and not by their merit. In this sense, they collide with the principles governing democracy. Shameful bad examples for them.

2. What are the problems of absolute monarchy?

Absolute monarchs imagine that they own their kingdom. Literally. For them, the inhabitants of the territory they rule live there thanks to their good will. These dictatorial monarchs had to deal with public opinion and religious groups, but their power was total. For example, the Sultan of Brunei, in addition to seizing political power, seized much of his country’s wealth. Saudi Arabia got its name because the Saudi family has ruled since 1932.

3. What are the problems with other forms of monarchy?

Other types of monarchy include constitutional monarchy and absolute monarchy. Thus, in Thailand, Rama X, who enjoys almost divine status, has a fortune of tens of billions of dollars. Many Thais compare him to a mafia boss. He does not interfere with laws, but he arbitrates differences between major social groups, especially between the military and elected officials.

4. How does the monarchy harm Canada?

The British monarchy was unnecessarily expensive and symbolized many of the stigmas associated with the British, such as the establishment of a reserve system. New immigrants to Canada who came from republican regimes were unsavory. They are the ones who will soon form the majority of the Canadian population according to Justin Trudeau’s plans. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court can easily replace the customary role of the Emperor for certain functions.

5. How does the monarchy harm Quebec?

The British Crown represents the role of a defeated and subjugated people, in which Anglo-Quebecers have long sustained Franco-Quebecers. Moreover, given their French heritage, Quebecers are more attached to republican values ​​than the rest of Canada. There has never been a royal conversion in Quebec.