The main problem is the army or security forces. That is the first thing these governments do left, center or right, bribe the army and police with lots of money and then they have them in their pockets. Do you ever wonder about why the security forces always side with the dictator, despite the fact that who really pays for them is the populace?
I think the first step towards a better life in most countries is a decrease in security spending, eliminate the army and have a civilian led police. Who is going to fight against criminals then? Are you nuts, these guys are the criminals.