A life interrupted by an administrative error
Recently, the media has highlighted a shocking story: a person was wrongly declared dead due to an error in the Civil Registry, just when the death of her parent was being registered. This administrative confusion resulted in her exclusion from public systems, including the Catalan Health Service and the Tax Agency, forcing her to undertake a long and difficult journey to prove that she was alive.
The weight of bureaucracy in everyday life
This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects a wider problem related to excessive bureaucracy that prevails in public administrations. In Catalonia, the current government, under the leadership of Salvador Illa, has launched an initiative to bring together a group of experts with the aim of modernizing the Administration. The need for this reform is increasingly evident, since the current system, with its multiple administrative layers, often makes interaction between citizens and the Administration difficult.
Side effects of bureaucracy
Excess bureaucracy not only complicates administrative procedures, but also affects the competitiveness of the business sector. Businesspeople and entrepreneurs find themselves burdened with obligations that consume time and resources, discouraging investment and innovation.
Furthermore, legislative rigidity makes politicians reluctant to make risky decisions. The complexity of regulations often leads to recourse to technical reports, which are based on restrictive interpretations, to justify inaction or the delegation of responsibilities.
A system that discourages citizens
Citizen frustration is another negative effect of a bureaucratic system. Administrative obstacles to accessing essential services generate a perception of distance and inefficiency in public institutions, which can lead to distrust and disaffection towards the Administration.
Towards a more efficient Administration
It is encouraging to see that the government is seeking to promote modernization and efficiency in the Administration. Simplification of procedures and digitalization are important steps to make services more accessible and less cumbersome.
Putting the citizen at the center
A key proposal is to change the organizational culture in order to place the citizen at the center of administrative actions. Instead of prioritizing procedures, the Administration should adopt an approach that values the personalized relationship with each administrator, similar to how companies serve their customers.
A future with more humanity
It is essential that public workers recognize that citizens are actors with legitimate needs and become agents of change in their care. Combining rigorous compliance with the rules with a closer and more personalized approach can dignify the citizen’s experience and improve their relationship with institutions.