It is axiomatic in European politics for conservatives to take for granted, and even take credit for, political innovations by progressives they opposed, and proceed to look for cutbacks, "efficiencies", and improved targeting of benefits even though there is no evidence of abuse or excess cost. It plays well with their constituencies who regard tax as theft, state benefits as an attack on freedom of choice, and state healthcare as an interference in the right to die without dignity...

Index of Frank's Diaries