Vótáil

The 2011 “earthquake election” came after a financial crash, a state guarantee and a subsequent bailout. In its wake, the country lay on its knees and the electorate was out for blood, demanding sweeping change, and the situation was dire.

The programme is a documentary episode that focuses on the so‑called “earthquake election” of 2011. It presents the political climate of that year, framing the vote as a seismic event that reshaped the nation’s outlook. The episode is part of a series that examines pivotal moments in recent history, using the 2011 election as its central case study. In its core narrative, the film recounts how, following the financial crash, the government introduced a guarantee and a massive bailout in an attempt to stabilise the economy. Despite these measures, the country found itself virtually on its knees, with the economy still reeling and public services strained. The electorate, frustrated by the perceived inadequacy of the response, turned out in force, demanding accountability and dramatic change. The episode goes on to illustrate the depth of the nation’s malaise, showing how the guarantee and bailout, rather than restoring confidence, left many feeling that the state was barely holding together. Viewers are presented with a portrait of a society bruised by recession, where ordinary citizens felt the weight of hardship and were ready to cast their votes as a form of protest. Finally, the documentary captures the atmosphere of a populace “out for blood”, eager to punish those they held responsible for the crisis. By concentrating on the 2011 election, the programme underscores how a single political moment can become a flashpoint for broader social and economic discontent.