Managing executive decision-making from the Prime Minister s Office Hungarian experiences by Dr. István Stumpf Századvég Policy Research Institute, Former Head of the Prime Minister s Office
Topic of Presentation New role of the PMO The third reform of the Civil Service New center-right right government 1998-2002
Political background Socialist alist-liberal liberal coalition replaced by three party center-right right coalition coalition forming parties: Fidesz (Alliance of Young Democrats) MDF (Hungarian Democratic Forum) FkgP (Smallholders Party) New recruitment strategy of state secretaries and ministerial bureaucracy
Structure of Prime Minister s Office Prime Minister Cabinet of the Prime Minister Head of Prime Minister s Office Ministers without portfolio Governmental Communication Unit Administrative State Secretary Political State Secretary Mirror Ministries Strategical Analizing Unit
Improved the efficiency of Public Service I. harmonization of the strong constitutional position of the Prime Minister and the government structure strengthening the PMO as a center coordinator of government activity establishing a portfolio referential system in the PMO to enhance the operational efficiency of the line ministries
Improved the efficiency of Public Service II. sought to revise the functional division to apply preliminary efficiency studies in policy making to use modern management methods to improve professionalism clear commitment to elevate the prestige of public administration
Enhancing the performance of civil service making civil service career attractive to young professionals introducing performance-based salaries of civil servants establishing adequate training system setting up a life-long long career model taking measures against corruption compulsory property declaration of key- employees Drawing up a Code of Ethics
New Approach to Executive Governance further centralization of center- government machinery effective coordination of government policy preparation of government strategies securing proactivity of government communication strengthening the preparatory role of administrative state secretaries
Main features of PMO s organizational reform 1. Establishment of a cabinet responsible for direct advice to the PM 2. Head of PMO: : first in the rank of ministers 3. Forming of Political State Secretariats responsible for strategic planning and management of gov.policy 4. Forming of mirror structures (Ministers Desks) to supervise government policy 5. Setting up a Governmental Communication Unit 6. Organizing regular preparatory meeting for coalition fraction leaders in PMO
Key role of Public Administration Unit Civil Service reform prepared by PA Unit Introducing new Senior Civil Service Corps Introducing new - extending the recruitment basis - creating a network of experienced and well-trained sen.civil servants - providing a 5-year5 year-long job security - new training system - clarifying professional and political criteria of recruitment
Do you think that an overall reform of public service is necessary in Hungary? 13% 9% 23% 55% necessary due to demands of EU accession necessary due to out of date situation of civil service not necessary, permanency is more important don't know
Replacements of civil servants every four years from the nation s point of view. 16% 11% 73% are bad decisions are good decisions don't know
Struggle around the Third Civil Service Reform joint responsibility for preparation: Ministry of Interior Prime Minister s s Office Conflict between the two players securing the status quo or professional reorganization of public service?
Outcome new legal framework was passed two-pier life-long long career path system introduced created permanent and professional executive civil service corps
As a result A political compromise: Retaining political discretion and De-politicization at the same time In order to strengthen the expertise basis of the administration
After the elections of 2002 Reform slowed down Re-politicization under way. However, new the government not only kept the reorganized system of the PMO but expanded it as well. Role of center of government will definitely increase after EU accession.
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