Just as our political class in the US is spending its time focused on the tax-'em-til-they-bleed side of the equation as opposed to the cut-em-to-the-bone austerity side of the income statement; so the evidence is clear (thanks to the following chart) - austerity doesn't get you re-elected. When all that matters is your next government paycheck for your 'elected' position, far from being for the people, austerity is avoided as vehemently as possible. Not only does social unrest increase (as the 'people' have become used to unsustainable standards of living) but incumbent popularty sinks - rapidly.
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Chart: Citi