ABSTRACT
This comparative study focuses on how the executive branch has been strengthened at the expense of both the legislative branch and the people. The analysis of power practices among various European governments, regardless of the crises to be faced, the cultures at stake and the methods implemented, confirms a general reinforcement of executive power. However, the existence of atypical practices across governments helps to qualify the impression of widespread convergence. Democratic regimes are indeed evolving in two directions: towards illiberal democracy or towards epistocracy.
