Ministeriötettä

Ministeriötettä is a Finnish term that translates to "ministry-ism" or "ministerialism." It refers to a system or practice where the administrative machinery of government ministries, rather than elected officials or the public, holds significant power and influence in policy-making and implementation. This can manifest as ministries developing their own agendas, prioritizing bureaucratic processes over political direction, or exhibiting a resistance to change that comes from outside the ministry itself.

The concept often carries a critical connotation, suggesting a potential for inefficiency, inertia, or a detachment from the needs of citizens. It implies that the internal culture, established routines, and the expertise within a ministry can become so dominant that they overshadow the intended democratic oversight and responsiveness. Critics of ministeriötettä might argue that it leads to a situation where ministries become self-perpetuating entities, focused on maintaining their own structures and influence rather than serving the broader public good or the policy goals of the government in power. It can also be seen as a barrier to innovation and adaptation in public administration.