Community vs. 'Epstein class'
Over the course of a week, I speak with many people from different walks of life. Our discussions about social changes have become heated, especially after the last elections — or rather failures tied to them and whether public institutions still understand responsibility. From my observations, a new trend is emerging to describe this change in the society. I would like to borrow one phrase now circulating in American political language to explain the mood: “Epstein class.” The concept can be used in two ways. The first way refers to the super-rich, who act as if ordinary rules do not apply to them. The second one, I use as a description of elite impunity. This class penetrates state bureaucracy, public agencies, party structures, an invisible nepotistic elite with connections extending to media and universities. The second type is quieter and therefore harder to confront. It is insulated and less visible, and the extent of it is much deeper. It reproduces itself across generations, not always through open corruption, but through access, protection and silence. It has become more
