In a globalized world everything progresses at a fast pace. Consequently inflexible, vague party programs dominated by wishful thinking are outdated. What is needed are flexible procedures as well as extensive dynamic reforms with intensive and long-term planning, pragmatism, realism, creativity and speed: An all-encompassing national “Mission Future” by future-makers: Embracing, shaping and winning the future.
This new policy must adapt smoothly to new knowledge. It is not an oak tree falling in the great storm of a great crisis, but a moving bamboo.
Policy 4.0, in contrast to the old practice, is open to all creative suggestions for improvement. Global best practices must always be checked and adopted.
Rapid and simultaneous implementation of all reform projects is particularly important – a sustainable capacity for reform. The iron will for rapid implementation without loss of time, with clear guidelines, control and adjustments.
No hesitation and procrastination over years. Instead, a big reform agenda with many concrete proposals in all political areas, a house cleaning on a grand scale. Not one project at a time, but all together, the launch of a rocket called Mission Future.
Political parties and governments can only revitalize our democracies with comprehensive reforms and make them competitive with China in the age of artificial intelligence. This requires ample new thinking and progressive actions.
We also need a regular personnel changes at the top: If ministers or heads of government are in office for too long, this often leads to encrustation and a rigid adherence to old structures and outdated decisions. In human terms, the politician sticks to the honeypot of power. Power is addictive. Above all, many want to rule as long as possible. Securing their position and no experiments are their slogans. They also perceive the new ideas as criticism of their leadership and wisdom. Often, one is caught up in a bubble with a court of yes-men, thus additionally losing necessary openness for the new. Moreover, the office is exhausting and tiring over the years, ruling out any experiments. Why change what has worked out well so far? New things always carry the risk of failure. Policymakers often lack the courage and will for new projects. This attitude prevents necessary permanent reforms. Change, however, leads to fresher thinking and action. A new minister can change yesterday’s rules without losing face.
Proposals:
- ‚Courage for the Future‘ with a sustained capacity for reform and many concrete good deeds. An national agenda Mission Future with flexible, continuous and extensive dynamic reforms with deep and long-term planning, pragmatism, realism, creativity and speed.
- Let us learn actively and continuously from the best in the world in all areas of politics. Let us leave the local frog perspective. Keep looking for improvements. It’s not about being right, but about better governance.
- A “Future Agenda 2050” as a mixture of Realpolitik and heart, but never one-sidedly only power or morality.
- No rigid ideologies, no matter which and by whom, but instead pragmatism and realism, many call it common sense.
- A sense of urgency, instead of endless debates without substance or effect. Not the usual would have, could, wanted, but simply doing.
- Always start quickly with new projects. Thoroughly analyse the effects every two years with experts and correct the errors with reform adjustments.
- Positivism: Everything is possible. Do not build up populist horror scenarios but spread optimism.
- The new type of politician admits his or her fallibility. He or she is relaxed, open to new ideas, constantly learning and improving proposals.
- Today we do not need new political kings, but instead a winning team of the best men and women at the top. A team instead of soloists.
- Seeking and promoting new elites assuming responsibility in all areas. Especially young people with special talents and moral responsibility. Don’t put the brakes on fresh new thinkers and creative people but encourage and integrate them.
- Open discussions of dissenting opinions as the salt in the soup of democracy.
- The executive committees of the parties as well as the ministers with specific portfolios constantly call for improvement, criticism and new proposals. These are collected, discussed and incorporated into reform laws. The new Minister for Future is in charge of coordination.
- The excellent online democracy-citizen model of Taiwan is adopted. Almost half the population of 23 million submits proposals via the internet. Each ministry participates. The most interesting proposals are put to the vote. The government thus learns where the population needs changes. The best ideas are implemented by the government.
- The terms of office of Heads of Government and ministers should be limited to a maximum of eight years. This also allows rejuvenation in the cabinet and opportunities for new thinking and action.