Hilger Announces Government Reorganization Plan

Saturday, 10 October 2009

Greifenberg Press Agency (GPA)

GREIFENBERG — Head of Government Joseph Hilger today announced a major government reorganization plan to reduce the size of the grand ducal government and to streamline management, bringing the government into line with current business practices. “Our goal has been to create an organizational structure that makes sense for the work we’re doing today and that will prepare us to fulfill our duties in the years to come,” said Mr. Hilger.

The plan, part of Mr. Hilger’s “responsible government” initiative, is intended to make the government more efficient, cost effective, and improve communication between ministers. Under the Hilger plan, the State Council would be abolished as the national legislature and the Government Cabinet – renamed the Council of Ministers – would serve as an advisory body to HRH Grand Duke Paul. The new council of ministers would consist of five ministers, instead of the current seven ministers.

Dr. Eric Stone, State Minister for Public Works, Environmental Affairs, Land-use Planning, Agriculture and Forestry, initially questioned how a reorganized government would function more effectively than before and what other current ministers felt about the proposed changes. After meeting with Mr. Hilger last Thursday, Dr. Stone indicated that his concerns were addressed and that he now supported the Hilger initiative. "The plan intends to bring [the government] back to a nice tight group of people to do the work,'' Dr. Stone observed. “I believe it not only will work, but it is essential for us to pursue this plan.”

"I'm also enthusiastic about the structure as it now stands,'' said Martin Foor, State Minister for Interior, Justice and State Security.  "The idea of us working together as a leadership team to discuss issues that are facing the grand duchy hopefully will lead to some good recommendations — maybe a lot of good ideas for Greifenberg,'' he said. Calling the plan “a bold move to finally right-size the government,” Dawn Sherman, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance, Treasury, Transportation and Telecommunications, explained that the government reorganization “should be viewed as a good first step to help the grand duchy deal with reduced revenue and the economic downturn. I am very enthusiastic about the plan.”

The plan requires the approval of HRH Grand Duke Paul, who is widely believed to support the reform efforts favored by Mr. Hilger.