The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is pushing for a radical overhaul of bureaucracy and a strengthening of inter-state collaboration ahead of a critical summit between federal and state leaders next week. Hendrik Wüst, Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, is advocating for what he describes as “bold steps” to streamline processes and enhance administrative efficiency, signaling a potential clash with established political norms and data protection concerns.
Wüst’s demands, outlined in an interview with the Tagesspiegel, center on a sweeping reduction of reporting obligations for both businesses and government bodies. He specifically targeted the currently restrictive data protection laws, arguing they impede essential information sharing between agencies. A particularly contentious point is the current requirement that one authority frequently cannot request information from another, a system Wüst characterized as “absurd.
The Premier emphasized that states are bearing the “main burden” of administrative responsibility and are compelled to modernize the state’s apparatus to remain competitive and responsive. The planned “federal modernization agenda” to be formally adopted at the upcoming meeting with the Federal Chancellor, aims to create a faster, more efficient and digitally-enabled administrative structure.
Beyond broad procedural changes, Wüst is proposing specific reforms impacting citizen interaction with the state. He championed the introduction of lifetime identity cards for individuals over the age of 70, criticizing the current requirement for periodic renewals as unnecessarily burdensome for older citizens. He also advocated for a reversal of the standard operating procedure for business approvals, proposing a system where approvals are deemed granted after three months if no response is received from the relevant authority – a significant shift in power dynamics towards applicant convenience.
While acknowledging the need for standardization, a prerequisite for extensive digital integration and modernization, Wüst’s calls for greater centralization are likely to draw scrutiny. Critics will likely question the potential for concentration of power and a reduction in regional autonomy. The success of this modernization agenda will hinge on navigating these competing interests and garnering sufficient political consensus to overcome potential opposition from those who prioritize existing regulations and data security protocols, even at the cost of bureaucratic sluggishness. The proposed shift reflects a growing recognition that entrenched processes are stifling economic growth and hindering effective governance.