Will the public eventually not open their eyes upon this shameful myth they are fooled by?

Frédéric Bastiat
Complete Works, Volume 7, pages 14 to 20 (in French)
1844

In this article that was not published at the time, a speech in Parliament by François Guizot then Secretary of State gives the opportunity to Frédéric Bastiat to be up in arms against the lies of politicians. His ire was triggered by an accusation against England for the situation created by the French policy. 

While the protectionists managed to impede the evolution towards free trade in France when it is evolving in neighbouring countries, the harm it is doing is attributed to foreigners and the government is fueling hate against them. This is what produces Frédéric Bastiat’s indignation, he who dreamt of “seeing the realisation of the holy alliance of peoples”.

According to him, the governmental institutions create the incentive for these lies. Unfortunately, when I observe that cynicism and lies are still beneficial to politicians nowadays although the institutions have been reshuffled a few times since then, I am sceptical to the idea that this will change. The best solution remains the one offered by Friedrich Hayek (and foreseen by Frédéric Bastiat), which is to restrict the extent of government power to the bare minimum.