Belgian Government‘s Paper Avalanche: A 2024 Election Year Phenomenon
The belgian government’s publication output has exploded in recent years, reaching staggering proportions, particularly during election years. This surge in paperwork has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about efficiency and transparency.
One expert, Beavis, offers insight into this phenomenon, stating, “2024 is an election year. Every election is accompanied by regulations that are published in the Belgian Official Gazette.” This statement highlights a direct correlation between electoral cycles and the dramatic increase in official publications.
the sheer volume of these publications is astounding. As an example, a single law from the FPS Foreign affairs, Foreign Trade, and Growth cooperation resulted in a massive 9,924-page document. This illustrates the scale of the problem and the potential challenges for citizens and businesses trying to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
The trend is even more striking when considering the past context. Compared to the 47,248 pages published in 2000, the current output has more than tripled. Since 2017, the annual page count has consistently exceeded 100,000, with the exception of 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a slight dip to 98,290 pages.
while the reasons behind this surge are complex and require further inquiry,the connection to election years is undeniable. The sheer volume of regulations published during these periods raises concerns about accessibility and the potential for regulatory overload. This situation underscores the need for greater transparency and efficiency in government communication and the simplification of complex legal documents.
The implications of this bureaucratic expansion extend beyond Belgium. The experience offers a cautionary tale for other nations, highlighting the potential for election-related regulatory bloat and the importance of streamlining government processes to ensure accessibility and transparency for citizens.
The Belgian government’s publication output has drastically increased in recent years, especially during election years. This surge is perhaps linked to the increase in regulations published in the Belgian Official Gazette during election years, as noted by expert Beavis. [1]
For example, a single law from the FPS Foreign affairs, foreign Trade, and Growth cooperation resulted in a 9,924-page document, highlighting the overwhelming volume of publications.[1]
Compared to the 47,248 pages published in 2000, the current output has more than tripled. Since 2017, the annual page count has consistently surpassed 100,000, except for a slight dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [1]