Is technocratic rule acceptable in emergency circumstances, like the eurozone crisis, taking the place of democracy as the mainstay of our governance?

Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm of the day - which is worrisome. The countries are protecting banking oligarchs and allowing the common man to pay the price. Whoever cuts budget to accommodate the IMF or banks lending, becomes a poor country.
There are many examples in history, Greece is one in the making. Rather, I guess it is better to remain like the UK or Japan, or China, and have the currency in your control - and control the trade and banks
laks - india

Political governments, unfortunately, have lost sight of their mission and plan legislation to please and attract voters - rather than planning and legislating for the long-term benefit of the nation. In such circumstances, technocratic governments are the right answer. However, this does not mean that democracy is in danger - the opposite sometimes may be true.
Elio Pennisi - CH

Because this is an instrument to kill democracy and punish the citizens for bad governance, which is not their fault.
Anonymous

First of all, in a democracy, the government is elected by the citizens. If there is bad governance, people have the possibility to change their government. This is democracy. But if their government makes a bad job of it and there are no consequences because other countries have to pay the bill, nothing will change. Anyway solidarity and humanity have to be the guidelines. Also, solidarity from the financial sector of US and UK - where the financial crisis originated.
KM - Germany

No, because technocracy is less intelligent than democracy - even in these emergency circumstances. Actually, we do not face an emergency that could be solved by technical measures - we face a crisis of civilisation. Exit from it depends on crucial political decisions on the way of life we want in the future.
Carlos Alvarez Pereira - Madrid, Spain, Innaxis Foundation

There is a lack of trust.
No name.

The so-called "democratic deficit" is already huge in the EU, so I am not sure that the union will become less democratic than it already is, on account of the alleged technocratic rule. Instead, I believe the euro is worth saving at the cost of some pressure - frequently well deserved by some countries like my own, Portugal, on each country.
If we ever get that far, the EU political system would evolve towards more federalism - which I find a much better solution than the current inter-governmental rule. But I am not at all sure that the single currency will be saved and that will be much worse for countries like Portugal than it will for Germany, for instance.
Manuel CABRAL - Lisbon, Portugal

Human society should be run in the interests of people, not money. I know this is a radical point of view, but I don't know why? We should be trying to democratise further, not follow selfish corporate finance. Free market capitalism is the stupidest idea ever, thought up by boring rich conservatives who want society to be run in their favour, and for everyone else to be as bland as they are.
Simon - Cambridge, UK

No, I cant believe so many people would give themselves over to a dictatorship. People all over the world are still fighting for democracy and Europe is involved in so-called revolutions for freedom and yet the EU wants to take ours away.
Anonymous