The essence of "reform" was exchanging public purpose and solidarity for market forces. Or short-termism and greed if you prefer. All of it accompanied with an unceasing media barrage.
You are not wrong to say that people have been doing it to themselves but that doesn't mean there is no man behind the curtain.

Von überall könnte das Volk, Urbrut alles Undemokratischen, Zelle des Terrors, über die gewählten Hüter von Wachstum und Wohlstand® kommen. - flatter