We can increasingly observe a phenomenon that could be called the increasing presence of irresponsible elites. The potential theoretical novelty of the paper is that while academic literature largely focuses on irresponsible opposition (Sartori, 1976)we shall try to explore the features of irresponsibility among the governing elite as well. In this respect the paper will apply the methodology and approaches of leadership studies (Seligman 1950, Burns 1978, Masciulli 2009, Lipman-Blumen 2005). To what degree do governing elites accept accountability? How do they use the art of manipulation (Riker 1986)? How can we measure power and redistribution goals and with what kind of policy and political consequences can be expected as a result (Moe 1990)? The question remains if irresponsibility prevails among the opposition in the form of extremism and among the governing forces in the form of power eager elites how can the democratic credentials of the system be maintained.
