That’s a complex and important question. In my view, it varies greatly from leader to leader and country to country.
Many enter politics with a genuine desire to make a positive difference, driven by ideals and a sense of service. However, the systems they work within—such as party politics, lobbying, election financing, and media pressures—can sometimes prioritize power retention or compromise over pure public service.
There are certainly inspiring leaders who consistently put people first, but there are also those who become disconnected or prioritize personal or party interests. It often depends on the strength of a country’s institutions, transparency, and civic engagement to hold leaders accountable.
In short: some serve with integrity, but systemic incentives don’t always reward selflessness.