These are usually politicians. United Kingdom they like to look for inspiration in America. It has been a month of political and economic turmoil for Britain, and now is the best time to look at the examples of Italy and Greece. Both states have faced crises in the past by entrusting their governance to non-politicians. After four failed prime ministers in just six years, it may be time for the UK to experiment with a similar model. Technocratic governments usually take over after the dissolution of the elected government and exercise power for a short period and with a very limited mandate. Former President of the ECB Mario Draghi, for example, is completing a 20-month term as Prime Minister of Italy despite never running for the post. Among his predecessors was former European Commissioner Mario Modi, who took office in 2011 during the eurozone crisis. Loukas Papademos, former governor of the Bank of Greece and vice president of the ECB, was also sworn in as prime minister.

These leaders could recognize Britain’s predicament. Somewhat skeptical of technocrats, the government of Prime Minister Liz Truss has recklessly tried to stimulate economic growth by cutting taxes, scaring investors and forcing the Bank of England to intervene. Recently, of course, the government decided to follow the lead of the technocrats and appointed a new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, who turned around on most policy decisions on Monday. However, he is new to the doctrine of fiscal discipline, and it is far from clear whether Prime Minister Liz Truss will survive this turnaround. The most appropriate way to break the impasse is to call elections. However, the Les Trass Conservatives want to avoid the possibility of an election at all costs because opinion polls so far show they will be defeated.

Therefore, the appointment of an outsider to the post of prime minister for a limited period becomes more attractive. The UK can staff the cabinet with former Bank of England governors, former civil servants, group leaders and former EU commissioners. However, there is a more fundamental problem: technocratic governments undermine faith in democracy, often lack legitimacy, and turn citizens into extremist parties.