have a powerless branch like the EU Parliament to trick the people into thinking that they directly elect their leaders.
That's basically how it works locally in European countries as well. "Elections" never change a thing, because you can choose between several groups representing the regime, and real opposition (which may or may not be controlled) which is so marginalized that it will never be able to get a 'majority'.
And even if it did get a majority, the deep state, the judiciary and these European officials will ensure that nothing changes for the better.
Quite crafty, really. They've nearly everyone convinced that these countries are "democratic", even though the people have no actual power.
That's basically how it works locally in European countries as well. "Elections" never change a thing, because you can choose between several groups representing the regime, and real opposition (which may or may not be controlled) which is so marginalized that it will never be able to get a 'majority'.
And even if it did get a majority, the deep state, the judiciary and these European officials will ensure that nothing changes for the better.
Quite crafty, really. They've nearly everyone convinced that these countries are "democratic", even though the people have no actual power.