Summarised by Centrist
In this op-ed, Richard Prebble covers the importance of the honeymoon period in democracy, stating, “The honeymoon is an acknowledgement that the election is over, and the winner has a mandate to govern.”
According to Prebble, leading the news with lobbyist propaganda opposing the new government is a denial of that mandate.
“Democracy is damaged when the state media does not acknowledge that the coalition has a democratic mandate for their policies,” he says.
Prebble says he is concerned about elements within the civil service and institutions like the Human Rights Commission not recognizing this mandate. He also discusses leaked cabinet papers and the need for ministers to set the narrative.
Prebble concludes by urging the government to demonstrate leadership, stating, “Sedition is infectious,” and emphasises the need for ministers to set the narrative, referencing Police Minister Mark Mitchell’s letter as an exemplary approach for all ministers to follow.
