In a truly democratic society, people are free to do whatever they wish with their right to vote. Deciding not to vote in a free and fair election is a vote of sort and should be respected as such. Low turnout in free elections is not a democratic problem. In fact, I think it could just as well be interpreted as being the exact opposite. High-ranking European politicians and bureaucrats seem to be of a different opinion.

Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission, wants to spend seven million of taxpayer euros on fighting low turnout at European elections. From the EU Observer:

Just days after only 29 percent of the Romanian electorate turned out for the country's first ever European elections, MEPs said that European political parties—currently numbering ten—should be able to use public money to finance political campaigns.

They also voted to set up political foundations. These institutions—to get €7 million in EU funds next year—will be politically affiliated to a particular European party and will be designed to get people talking about Europe.

Welcoming the news, EU communications commissioner Margot Wallstrom, who proposed the plans earlier this year, said "Europe really needs genuine debate and political controversy to engage citizens."

Ridiculous.