Politik

While specific training and demonstrable expertise are essential to take on responsibility in almost every professional sector, strangely enough, this basic requirement often does not apply to those who sit at the levers of power. Politicians entrusted with the governance of entire countries are often appointed to office on the basis of internal party criteria or their ability to forge political alliances, without necessarily being required to have in-depth knowledge of their assigned portfolios.

This practice is in stark contrast to the strict requirements placed on experts in other areas. For example, no one would use the services of a roofer unless they had years of experience and in-depth training in their trade. Similarly, in professions such as medicine, law or engineering, extensive training and rigorous certification procedures ensure that only those who have proven their expertise are allowed to practice.

How can it be that strict qualification criteria apply to the practice of professions that affect the lives of individuals, while such criteria seem to take a back seat when it comes to running an entire country that affects the well-being of millions?

Political offices are often awarded on the basis of party affiliation, loyalty and political strategy, not necessarily on the basis of professional qualifications or expertise in the department concerned. This approach can be observed in many political systems around the world, regardless of the form of government or political spectrum. Appointments to political office often follow a logic of political expediency rather than a logic of competence.

While in many professional fields there is a direct link between a person's education and their professional role, this is not always the case in politics. While politicians need to understand a wide range of issues and make decisions based on complex information, they are not always experts in the areas for which they are responsible.

Repeated failures or scandals caused by a lack of expertise undermine the public's trust in political institutions and their leaders.

We are currently dealing with policies that are increasingly disconnected from scientific and technical knowledge.

We need to find mechanisms that promote both effective political leadership and informed decision-making. Solutions could include, for example, greater transparency in the selection and work of advisors, the promotion of interdisciplinary skills among policy makers and the creation of institutions for independent policy evaluation.

The challenge is to develop a system that combines the strengths of political leadership with the need for decisions to be based on sound expertise. Finding such a balance is crucial for the effectiveness and legitimacy of democratic governance and therefore our future!

Detlef von Hellfeld