actually it all depends on the leader of the country. if the leader of a country has a goal to advance the country, no matter what happens it will be done for the welfare of its people. if the leader of a country is silent without any definite purpose the country becomes poor
What about the fact that the people choose the leader? Couldn't we say that the leader's views should be a reflection of the population? Or at least of the majority of the population? I guess this would only be applicable in democratic countries. What do you think "silent" leaders do? If they don't have ambitions for the country, then why do they want to be politician? I think it's usually that they have some personal ambitions. They don't care much if the country gets richer, but they do care if they get richer themselves.