Fearing the government

“When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty.” 
― Thomas Jefferson

Fearing a government and fearing the government, could arguably produce a new phenomenon in world politics, worthy of extensive international relations analysis and professional debate. Without further analysis, the notion of fearing a government, describes the current trend in the established western democracies. The recent financial crisis, with particular mentioning on the forced austerity measures, feeds the notion of fearing a government with utmost consistency. Spreading around the different western jurisdictions and assuming the attire of normality, the introduction of subjective and ambiguous taxation and fees on the people, or indeed the start-beginning of a new system – take more and stop giving, – create a social and political scenario, where democratic societies become powerless and unable to influence governmental decisions, irrespective of its objection.

Yet, this material intends to neither analyze the arising phenomenon, nor debate any related theories. Actually, the following material is rather a simplified social and political analysis, on the eve of the general elections in Albania. Unfortunately, Albania belongs to the long list of countries, where the people fear the government. This is a fact and it does not relate to the political aspect of the government in place.

One of the aspects generating public fear and gravely endangering the notion of democracy is the phenomenon A New Government – A New Public Administration. The total replacement of the public administration, post local and general elections has become a plaque on Albanian governing practice, and an active threat on potential employees, or the unemployed alike. The replacement is all inclusive and in most cases, the operation could also include drivers and janitors.

The general saying in Albania goes; one must not apply for an advertised public position, unless one is either willing to pay the appropriate bribe, or one has proven blind support for the political party in power. 

Taking advantage of the drastic economic situation of many families, such practice cements an overall control, on the performance of the public administration, transforming it into a government weapon to control the economic and social life in general.

-   The democratic essence of the society and state structure is seriously damaged,

-   Employment in public administration becomes a reward for political support and means of corruptive activity,

-   Allocation of government funding for business support becomes a rewarding mechanism for businesses supportive to the political party prior to assuming power.

-   The taxation body pressurizes businesses known for supporting opposition, or the ones which object the new government practices publicly.

-   Employment based on political views, or on corruptive procedure, introduces personnel incapability and inefficiency,

-   Employees are often exploited for public rallies and manifestations,

-   Government ministries and several departments are allocated to political allies, which in turn fill them with their political militants.

The generalities of the arisen scenario create a general mass division; mass position and mass opposition. The division produces inclusive groups, which protect their own fanatically, even in cases of public scandals. Such protection acts in the form of failure by government departments to apply the law, police presence and public intellectualizing of scandals, by incompetent analysts.

The bottom base of establishing a democratic society and erecting a functioning state is indeed, the process of free and democratic elections. This is the genesis. Subject to realizing this process successfully, particular emphasis, with utmost significance must prevail on the entire structure of the state. The normal and efficient functioning of the state and administration requires efficiency and professionalism, in full compliance with approved democratic legislation.

The structure of the state in a democratic society is non-political. This structure is all inclusive and operates independently, deprived of any political influence. In a visual perception, the state is the democratically organised structure, erected to implement efficiently approved legislation and carry in leadership, for a set period of time, the democratically elected political party. The political perception of any present leadership includes the ways chosen to achieve success and prosperity. It does not, and it must not, aim at altering the non-political existence of the state structure.

Metaphorically put, should a nation build a perfect Mercedes-Benz (the functioning state), the political party in leadership must be the new driver, whose goal is to drive it safely and more efficiently than the previous one. The driver must not roll up the sleeves and start replacing unnecessarily, engine parts, lights, wheels and what not.     

There is no democracy and prosperity for the nation, for as long as the political aspect of a winning party is clearly distinguished from the non-political structure of the state and public administration. Free elections make the base for fair political competition. A free state makes the base of a prosperous future for the nation.           

Albert Baja
Cork, Ireland