infodatos Chapter 34 Government Employee Reform Draft
Chapter 34 Government Employee Reform Draft
As Evan gradually opened up, coupled with Robert's talkativeness, the two brothers became increasingly enthusiastic about chatting.
They chatted incessantly at the dinner table, and then continued chatting over dessert in the small living room. The topics between men always revolved around politics and war, not to mention that Robert Horn was one of the central figures in this Backlund political arena.
Speaking of the current situation in the Kingdom of Rune, Robert Horn remarked with emotion:
"Emperor Rosell left behind many valuable legacies that completely changed people's lives, but the republican electoral system he created had major flaws. I believe he discovered this in his later years, which is why he resolutely declared himself emperor and restored the imperial system."
Evan chuckled inwardly, but he also understood that Robert's dissatisfaction wasn't with Roselle from a hundred years ago, but rather with the current chaos within the Kingdom of Rune caused by the parliamentary elections.
Thinking of the information she had received from Miss Justice Audrey when she attended the Tarot gathering, she tentatively said:
"I heard that the Kingdom's defeat in the war on the eastern coast of Bairan was due to a chaotic government structure, leading to inefficiency and ultimately, failure?"
Robert glanced at his younger brother in surprise and laughed:
"Indeed, you can connect military successes and failures with political factors, which surpasses many people. The members of parliament who do not understand these things simply blame General Gabriel, saying that he acted rashly and was ambushed by the Fussacks."
They didn't even consider why General Gabriel recklessly launched the attack. The key issue was the lack of a unified command structure, preventing General Gabriel from directly commanding the nearby Rune navy to provide support.
Before the war, General Gabriel had already submitted a report demanding unified command, which led to heated arguments among the Navy and Army, Conservative and New Party MPs, and the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The war began, the Fussacks were already at the city walls, and they were still arguing. They were still arguing even after calls for reinforcements had been made. When they finally reached an agreement, the war was over, and now they're still arguing and busy shifting blame.
It's clear that Robert is still resentful about the defeat in this war, and he's venting his frustration to Evan.
Hearing Robert's complaint, Evan followed up by asking:
"So, is nobody in Backlund really aware of where the problem lies? Isn't anyone thinking of making changes?"
"In fact, many people have seen where the problem lies and are willing to make changes, but they cannot reach a consensus on how to reform. There are many different opinions, and none of them sound very reliable."
Robert noticed that Evan was very interested in this matter, so he said a few more words.
"So what are His Majesty the King's and the other political leaders' thoughts now? Do they mostly support change, or do they mostly want to maintain the status quo?" Evan continued to ask.
"Although the directions and measures of reform differ and there are many contradictions, everyone generally still supports the reforms. After all, the setback in the Southern Continent has made many people reflect. Why are you asking these questions?"
Robert was a little confused as to why Evan was asking about these things. Hadn't he already said he wanted to develop his career in the military?
"In other words, because of the defeat in the war, everyone from the King to the Prime Minister, and even to members of parliament, is now under pressure and has ideas for reform, but they don't know how to implement them, right?"
"You're right. Do you have any ideas about reform?"
Robert finally figured out Evan's idea and looked at Evan with some disbelief, because he remembered that Evan had never been interested in these things before. At the same time, he found it a little funny and shook his head inwardly.
So many problems that even experienced gentlemen couldn't solve, yet Evan, a recent college graduate, wanted to solve them. I don't know whether to call it ignorance is bliss or just the innocent foolishness of a college student.
Evan noticed that Robert found it amusing that he wanted to offer his opinion, but he calmly said:
"It's actually very simple: reform the way the kingdom appoints its personnel."
The government's structure is too chaotic. Every change of political party always leads to personnel changes, with people being replaced from top to bottom. This infighting not only causes serious internal friction and delays in national affairs, but also causes great inconvenience to the people, leading to widespread public discontent.
In that case, let's classify members of parliament and ministers as political appointees, and those who do the work below them as administrative officers. Political appointees will be responsible for decision-making, and administrative officers will be responsible for execution.
Political officials are elected, while civil servants are selected through examinations. This approach maximizes the selection of social elites and gathers collective wisdom.
Furthermore, different test questions can be set for different positions, allowing for selective assessment. Professional tasks should be left to professionals.
Moreover, the biggest advantage of implementing this system is that it can maximize government stability and efficiency during election season, leaving no room for manipulation.
Robert Horn's eyes grew brighter and his mouth opened wider as he listened, rapidly assessing the feasibility of implementing the plan in his mind. Then, he slowly said:
"This is actually a disguised weakening of the power of councilors and mayors in local areas... but this weakening is positive, as it can curb election fraud, which is indeed a good reform measure."
"Moreover, this reform can be carried out gradually, for example, by conducting an exam every three years and gradually replacing employees. The number of positions can be determined in a planned manner based on the kingdom's expansion needs, the resignation of government employees, and the retirement of the elderly."
Furthermore, to reduce resistance to reform, a one-size-fits-all approach could be avoided. Some positions could remain open for appointments in the old manner, but those who fail to perform their duties should be severely punished. This could be used to publicize the differences between the two appointment systems, allowing people to recognize their respective strengths and weaknesses. After all, comparison is essential to understanding the differences, which would also increase support for the reform.
Robert Horn looked at his talkative younger brother with a complicated expression, realizing that he seemed to no longer recognize his brother and doubting whether he had cared for him enough in the past.
If Evan had only proposed some good reform measures, Robert might have simply thought he was quick-witted, agile, and had broad ideas.
However, Evan not only proposed a reform plan, but also recognized the difficulties and challenges of the reform and put forward targeted solutions, which is remarkable, not to mention that the solutions sound very effective.
Robert, a semi-bigwig in politics, knows that sometimes having an idea is one thing, but putting it into practice is another.
In Robert's eyes, Evan seemed to have become like some of his colleagues in parliament, mature and experienced.
Robert kept tapping the armrest of the sofa with his left hand, pondering the matter repeatedly, and finally made up his mind.
However, there is a problem here. Last year, Robert angered the Duke of Negan and some members of the House of Lords with the Grain Act. If Robert himself submits the bill, there is no guarantee that these people will not target him or cause trouble, which may actually make things worse.
Therefore, to avoid this situation, Robert needed to find a significant figure to co-sign the proposal and appease the Duke of Negan, and such people were actually few and far between in Backlund.
"Hope, contact Earl Hall's secretary immediately to confirm Earl Hall's itinerary. I need to meet with Earl Hall as soon as possible."
Upon hearing Robert's order, Mr. Hope turned and left without hesitation, clearly intending to contact Earl Hall's travel secretary.
Watching Hope leave, Robert turned to Evan and said:
"I haven't paid enough attention to you before. I never expected you to have such insights into governing the country. It was my fault."
"I only started learning about these things because my brother entered politics, and at the same time, I thought about the school exams, which is why I had these thoughts," Evan said, forcing a smile as he stared into Robert's eyes.
In fact, giving Robert advice in this way was also a risk for him. However, Evan also needed to make Robert realize as soon as possible that his younger brother had really grown up, so he could only act this way to keep him in check and gain more recognition so that Robert would make things easier for him later.
Not long after, Mr. Hope returned to the small living room, stood to one side, and reported to Robert:
"Earl Hall will be hosting a dinner party at his home on Saturday evening, during which he will meet with you. Upon learning of Mr. Evan's arrival in Backlund, he has also invited Mr. Evan to join him."
Robert nodded and said to Evan:
"In the next couple of days, could you help me organize the reform plan you just mentioned into a written document? I'll then submit it to Earl Hall. If we can get Earl Hall's support, we might be able to try to pass it before Parliament's recess. Time is a bit tight!"
Evan had no objection to this, and was also excited to see "the beautiful Diamond Lady of Backlund" in person.
The two brothers chatted for a while longer. Robert told Evan to go back to his bedroom to rest, but Evan hesitated and wanted to suggest that he move out. However, he felt that the time was not right and didn't say it.
Watching Evan leave the small meeting room, Robert's smile vanished, his brows furrowed, and he said to Hope:
What do you think of Evan's performance just now?
Mr. Hope, tidying up the coffee cups on the coffee table, said without looking up:
"Mr. Evan has grown up and is starting to have his own ideas and opinions."
Robert rubbed his temples, nodded in agreement, and then gave the following instructions:
"Send someone to Tingen as soon as possible to find out where Evan got his potions, and investigate his movements over the past six months to see who deliberately approached him."
If we find anything, we shouldn't alert them. We should investigate who's behind it and make them pay a bloody price for daring to target my brother.
"Emperor Rosell was right. If a tiger doesn't show its power, it will be mistaken for a sick cat. If we don't deal with them decisively this time, they'll dare to ride roughshod over us next time."
"Yes, sir!" Mr. Hope replied ramrod straight and firmly.