Democracy is not good in itself - nor is the power to the people any good. If we could get enlightened government it would be better.

But there is no such thing as an enlightened dictator - or there are very few exceptions.

The merit of democracy is just that the same gang is not in power for long. That prevents long term reformations, for sure, but it also means power is not unduly abused.

You may say that if this is true let's just toss a coin and see who wins. But that wouldn't work: the people (we) must think they have a word in running the country (which of course they don't: to begin with, they don't listen to manifestos; and even if they do, manifestos are plain lies).

So the merits are just keeping gangs away from long term power and avoid revolutions by making the voters accountable for what the government does.

The Régime issue - monarchy versus republic is a non issue. It doesn't really matter if the head and symbol of the country is elected or not, because they don't really have power (unless under a President-centered Republic, as France or the USA). They must only behave properly. And if you think a democratically elected president behaves any better, just check the foreign section of the newspapers. Don't fool yourselves.

All this ranting about monarchy is just playing the games tabloids want people to play; and they make huge profits.

A cynical person is what naïve people call realists.

I'm fully aware this will not enhance my popularity, but please read carefully before reacting emotionally.