Meaning: Jacques Delors, a renowned economist and former President of the European Commission, made this statement to emphasize the diminishing role of intermediary groups in modern society. The quote reflects his concern about the lack of mediating entities between the state and the individual, which has led to a situation where political leaders rely excessively on opinion polls to shape their decisions and policies. Delors' observation is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary politics and governance, where the influence of traditional intermediary institutions such as labor unions, civic organizations, and community groups has waned, while the impact of public opinion polling has grown significantly.

In Delors' view, intermediary groups play a crucial role in the functioning of a healthy and balanced society. These groups act as intermediaries between the state and the individual, representing the diverse interests and concerns of different segments of the population. By providing a platform for dialogue, negotiation, and advocacy, intermediary groups contribute to the pluralistic nature of democratic societies, ensuring that the voices of various stakeholders are heard and considered in the decision-making process. Moreover, these groups often serve as channels for social mobilization, collective action, and the articulation of common goals and aspirations, thereby fostering a sense of solidarity and community engagement.

However, as Delors observed, the influence and effectiveness of intermediary groups have declined in many contemporary societies. Factors such as the changing nature of work, the rise of digital communication, and the increasing individualization of social relationships have contributed to the weakening of traditional intermediary institutions. This erosion of intermediary structures has significant implications for the dynamics of political representation, as well as the quality and legitimacy of decision-making processes within the state.

One of the consequences of the diminishing role of intermediary groups is the growing reliance of political leaders on opinion polls as a primary source of public feedback and guidance. Opinion polls, while valuable for gauging public sentiment on specific issues or candidates, have limitations in capturing the nuanced and diverse perspectives of a population. Moreover, the emphasis on opinion polling can lead to a short-term, reactive approach to governance, where policies and decisions are shaped by immediate public opinion rather than a broader and more deliberative consideration of long-term societal needs and priorities.

Delors' critique of the overreliance on opinion polls points to a broader concern about the health of democratic governance and the representation of diverse voices in modern societies. The absence of robust intermediary groups can create a vacuum in which the direct relationship between the state and the individual becomes increasingly unbalanced, potentially leading to a disconnect between the priorities of the governing authorities and the concerns of the citizenry. This situation raises questions about the capacity of political leaders to engage in genuine dialogue with their constituents, to address complex social challenges, and to advance the common good in a manner that reflects the diversity of perspectives within society.

In response to these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need to revitalize intermediary institutions and mechanisms of civic engagement in contemporary democracies. Efforts to strengthen civil society, promote participatory decision-making processes, and enhance the representation of marginalized or underrepresented groups are essential for restoring the role of intermediary groups in mediating between the state and the individual. By bolstering these intermediary structures, societies can promote a more inclusive and responsive form of governance, in which political leaders are guided not only by opinion polls but also by the rich tapestry of voices and interests that characterize a pluralistic society.

In conclusion, Jacques Delors' quote highlights the importance of intermediary groups in mediating between the state and the individual, and the potential pitfalls of excessive reliance on opinion polls in shaping political decisions. His insight prompts us to consider the vital role that intermediary institutions play in fostering dialogue, representation, and social cohesion within democratic societies, and the need to reinvigorate these structures to ensure a more robust and inclusive form of governance.