Most of the time we justifiably complain about bureaucracy. By which we mean excessive bureaucracy... But what makes it excessive?
The problem is that the state (as well as the private sector) cannot do without “bureaucratic” methods to make certain that decisions are being executed correctly. For this to happen, the modern state (the same holds for the forms of state governance that preceded it) needs to get organized around procedures that have a general application and a uniform method of implementation. Naturally this require specifics timeframes to be set for delivery by officials trained and able to follow procedures correctly.
The problems that arise are wellknown. Such as the use of antiquated procedures that have not been updated. Such as delays in the bureaucratic process, either because it is being applied too rigidly, or because of a weak leadership, or because it is hampered by bribery, clientelism, lack of resources, inadequatly trained personnel, or for other reasons.
Still, the reality is that one cannot do without bureaucracy. And it’s not always easy to determine when it has become excessive.
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THE NEW, THE OLD
The generational divide is an essential element in the governance and customs of human society. Those whose time is past or almost, consider that the proposals being made by their prospective successors are not really up to scratch. Those who are “newly” approaching the tasks of decision making and of opinion setting and are bound to change established customs will necessarily criticise the situation they inherit while defining their own different ways of doing things.
Both have reasons, some times great reasons, for their approach. The contrast that arises between them is to be expected. Perhaps it would have been unfortunate if it did not occur, for because of it, the process of transfer from generation to generation is more likely to be carefully put together and not carried out in helter skelter mode.
Even so, as I see it, while members of the “old” generation should retain till the very end, the possibility of expressing their claims, the imperative must be that of allowing full empowerment to the “new” generation when assuming decision-making roles.
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COMPETITIVENESS
In Europe the “competitiveness” mantra has again become the fashion. We had not heard it for quite a while. Centre-right parties are seeing it as the tool by which to manoeuvre around the pressures to which they are being subjected in order to take a step back from environmental policies which prioritise the fight against climate warming. In this way they could contain the electoral advances being registered by the extreme right by themselves acquiring a reason to put a brake on the environmental commitments of the Green Deal.
It seems like European socialists are feeling that they cannot outface frontally this political tactic. They too need to show that they support the aim of reinforcing Europe’s ability to compete with the US and China. One hardly has to point out that the Liberals (who in the European Parliament function under the “Renew” callsign) will hardly keep back from adopting this slant, which is coherent with their faith in the beauty of the free market.
In all this, I much fear that the calls in favour of competitivity will lead up to the expectation that the sacrifices and burdens they will bring in their wake, should be borne by workers, employees and SMEs.