This document discusses political communication challenges in the age of austerity. It notes that austerity reduces government spending and debts, restricting politicians' ability to promise tax cuts or spending. This limits democratic choice and can undermine institutional legitimacy if people reject austerity measures. The document explores how politicians may emphasize crisis rhetoric or blame others rather than tax and spending policies. It also questions how political parties can maintain legitimacy and position themselves amid new communication challenges in this fiscal environment.