17. Towards a Political Reform? Universal Suffrage and Professional Representation of Interests

This chapter delves into Léon Walras's critique of universal suffrage and his advocacy for a system of professional representation of interests in 19th-century France. It explores Walras's initial support for direct universal suffrage and his subsequent disillusionment with the political instability of the Third Republic. The text also examines Walras's proposed system of 'organic representation,' which aims to address the flaws of universal suffrage by organizing voters into professional categories. Additionally, the chapter discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of this system, as well as its historical context and intellectual influences. The text concludes with a reflection on the relevance of Walras's ideas to contemporary political debates and the ongoing search for effective systems of representation.