Norway is often celebrated as a rich, democratic, and socially just country. Yet, beneath the surface, many citizens feel economic pressure, high stress, and limited freedom. Meanwhile, countries like Dubai and even authoritarian regimes like China sometimes achieve outcomes that appear more “effective” for their people. This article explores the intricate relationships between wealth, freedom, democracy, innovation, and happiness, and why Norway’s oil and gas revenues are both a blessing and a constraint.
The Housing Market: Who Really Controls Prices?
In Norway, the housing market is described as “superheated,” yet homebuyers ultimately decide prices through bidding wars. The real superstars among the best entrepreneurs are the superheroes called “Real Estate Agents.” They often justify high commissions by claiming they can maximize the seller’s price, but in practice, a desirable location alone drives up bids.
Are real estate agents really working for the people? No, they are working for the seller so the people need to buy as much as possible. Are politicians on the people`s side? No.
The fact is that politicians, not buyers or agents, have the true power to influence the market through zoning, building approvals, and regulations, yet often they are not on the people’s side. What democracy is that?
Contrast with China: Are the communists in China on the people`s side? Yes. China’s government directly builds massive cities to increase housing supply, effectively controlling availability. Result: demand is met faster, homes are more accessible, and prices stabilize.
Key Insight: Democracy on paper does not guarantee results for citizens if politicians fail to act effectively.
Democracy vs Results
Democracy is often measured by free elections and political rights, but these do not guarantee that citizens get what they want. Examples in Norway:
Road tolls (bompenger) implemented despite public opposition. The people doesn`t want it, but politicians do not listen to the people.
High taxes and property regulations limiting economic freedom. The people doesn`t want high taxes, but politicians do not listen to the people. Hundreds of rich people are fleeing rich countries like Norway. They move to Dubai and Switzerland.
In China, the government may act efficiently to provide outcomes like housing, but citizens have little direct influence. Observation: Norway excels in democratic process, while China sometimes outperforms in results, at least in targeted areas.
Freedom, Wealth, and Economic Dynamism
If citizens have access to affordable housing, low taxes, and minimal fees:
They retain more disposable income
They spend more, boosting businesses
High consumption attracts talent, entrepreneurship, and innovation
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle: wealth → consumption → business growth → jobs → higher wages → innovation → productivity → more wealth.
Contrast with Norway:
High housing costs, taxes, and fees suppress consumption and slow economic growth.
Oil and gas revenues act as a safety net, allowing citizens to live comfortably without driving productivity or innovation in many sectors.
Key Insight: Norway has wealth and stability, but its reliance on oil reduces the pressure to innovate. A luxury few countries can afford.
Socialist Policies vs Individual Freedom
Norwegian socialists often prioritize redistribution and state control to ensure equality. However, this can limit the economic potential of individuals and reduce incentives for innovation.
Contrast with Dubai:
Low or zero income tax
Citizens retain wealth and spend freely
Government collects revenue via targeted consumption taxes
Result: citizens enjoy wealth and freedom, while the state still funds infrastructure and public services. Strategic taxation allows both individual prosperity and state revenue, without stifling innovation or happiness. A lot of rich people in socialist countries are moving to Dubai now.
They`re doing it because of the great zero tax system, but also for happiness.
Oil, Innovation, and Norway’s Advantage
Norway’s wealth is largely underpinned by oil and gas revenues, which act as an economic shield. This allows:
High living standards
Collaboration with neighboring countries without the fear of losing competitiveness
Reduced pressure to innovate, because the country is already rich
Consequence: Norway can enjoy the best of both worlds; resources and stability, while still pursuing innovation in selected sectors, without risking national survival. Most citizens may not even realize this structural advantage.
Norway’s wealth is partly supported by extraordinary revenues from oil and gas. This has allowed the country to build a strong welfare system and maintain high living standards. However, it also raises an important question: how dynamic would the broader economy be without this resource advantage?
Wealth vs Happiness
Norway is wealthy on paper, but high stress, depression, and widespread use of medications like painkillers and antidepressants indicate that wealth alone does not create happiness.
Dubai and other low-tax, high-freedom societies show that wealth combined with economic freedom produces higher perceived happiness, especially for those who can thrive in the system.
Conclusion: Happiness requires both resources and freedom, not just wealth or social safety nets.
The Snowball Effect: How Freedom Drives Growth
Free citizens with disposable income → high consumption → thriving businesses → more jobs → innovation → higher productivity → increased wealth.
Contrast with Norway: Regulatory and tax pressures slow this cycle, suppressing growth and individual wealth, even though oil and gas keep the country rich.
Snowball model:
Lower taxes / affordable housing
↓
More disposable income
↓
Higher investment and entrepreneurship
↓
Innovation and new technology
↓
Higher productivity
↓
More goods and services produced
↓
Economic growth WITHOUT strong inflation
Final Thought: Norway’s Paradox
Norway is rich, democratic, and socially advanced, yet citizens often feel economically constrained. Its oil and gas revenues provide comfort, stability, and collaboration opportunities, but also reduce the need for widespread innovation.
True prosperity and happiness require not just wealth, but freedom, opportunity, and the courage to innovate. Norway may have the resources to be free and happy, but the question remains: will its citizens feel the pressure to truly flourish before the oil runs out?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shinybull.com. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided; however, neither Shinybull.com nor the author can guarantee the accuracy of this information. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. Shinybull.com and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
When we look at GDP growth, one thing becomes very clear: the United States is in a league of its own. With growth at 4.4 percent, the U.S. economy is running far ahead of other major economies.
India comes in second — but at less than half the U.S. rate. China, once the global engine of growth, is now barely above one percent. Europe paints a much weaker picture: the euro area, France, and the UK are hovering near stagnation. Italy does a bit better, but still far behind the U.S.
The takeaway is simple: global growth is no longer evenly distributed. The world is increasingly dependent on one dominant economic engine — the United States.
Trumponomics, Taxes, and Tariffs
This dominance is not accidental. Trumponomics — including tax cuts, deregulation, and strategic trade measures — has been designed to strengthen domestic growth. Lower taxes have incentivized investment, increased consumption, and created a multiplier effect across multiple sectors. Simply put: lower taxes mean more growth.
Tariffs have also contributed, protecting key industries and encouraging reshoring. While not the main driver of GDP growth, they amplify the effect of pro-growth policies, keeping production and capital inside the United States.
Crypto and Blockchain: America’s Catalyst
Digital infrastructure, crypto, and blockchain have emerged as powerful catalysts for U.S. economic dominance. While crypto-related activity still represents only a small fraction of U.S. GDP today, it facilitates faster capital flows, scalable services, and innovative financial systems.
Blockchain doesn’t drive the economy on its own — but it reinforces American economic advantage and positions the U.S. to maintain its lead as digital systems expand.
Blockchains are the future, not just for finance, but for the infrastructure of value itself. And America is at the forefront.
Innovation vs. Bureaucracy
A key driver behind continued U.S. economic growth is innovation—particularly in advanced manufacturing and energy technology. Companies like Tesla, led by Elon Musk, have played a pioneering role by pushing battery technology to a new level, giving the U.S. a clear competitive advantage in electric vehicles and energy storage.
In contrast, Europe—and Germany in particular—has been slowed by regulatory complexity and bureaucratic inertia. While innovation in the U.S. is often enabled by speed, scale, and risk-taking, European industry must navigate dense layers of regulation, approval processes, and political compromise.
For Germany, whose economy is deeply tied to the automotive sector, this loss of momentum has broader consequences. And as Germany remains the economic locomotive of the EU, the effects of slower innovation are amplified across Europe—raising the question of whether regulation has begun to outweigh competitiveness.
One Engine, Many Passengers
Put it all together: Trumponomics, smart policy, tariffs, and innovative digital infrastructure. The result? America continues to dominate while Europe struggles with stagnation, and China slows. Emerging markets chase momentum.
Growth today in the United States comes not from soil or oil alone, but from systems designed to turn value into profit. Lower taxes, strategic policy, and innovation create a self-reinforcing cycle — one that keeps the U.S. in the driver’s seat.
Oil once defined power. Today, code, capital, and blockchain define it. And in that world, the United States still owns the refinery.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shinybull.com. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided; however, neither Shinybull.com nor the author can guarantee the accuracy of this information. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. Shinybull.com and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
For decades, the United States has viewed Greenland as a strategically vital territory. Since World War II, American military planners and policymakers have understood its importance for Arctic security, global defense systems, and access to critical resources. What previous administrations discussed quietly behind closed doors, Donald Trump chose to say openly.
Trump said he wanted Greenland.
The reaction from legacy media was immediate and furious. Denmark was outraged. European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, criticized the idea. Headlines mocked Trump, calling the proposal absurd, imperialistic, even dangerous. Once again, the familiar narrative returned: Trump the dictator, Trump the destabilizer, Trump the man destroying NATO and threatening the world order.
But while the media screamed, Trump stayed calm. Smiling. Stoic.
Behind the scenes, something very different was happening.
This week, President Donald Trump arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF). Surrounded by the world’s global elites—the very same figures who openly despise him—Trump showed up with a large delegation and a clear agenda: make deals.
And one of the biggest deals was Greenland.
After a high-level meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced that a framework agreement concerning Greenland—and the wider Arctic region—had been reached. An outcome many in the legacy media had declared impossible.
In a statement released earlier today, Trump wrote:
“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.
This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations. Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.
Additional discussions are being held concerning the Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland. Further information will be made available as discussions progress. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and others will lead the negotiations and report directly to me.”
In simple terms: Trump made a deal.
Greenland matters because it is one of the most strategic territories on Earth. As Arctic ice melts, new shipping routes open and access to vast mineral reserves becomes possible. China and Russia have both aggressively positioned themselves in the Arctic, seeking influence, infrastructure, and control over rare-earth minerals critical to modern technology, defense systems, and energy.
China already holds a near-monopoly on many of these minerals.
Greenland changes that.
According to Trump, the framework agreement includes mineral rights, defense cooperation, and integration into a broader NATO security architecture—including the proposed “Golden Dome” defense system. With American capital, technology, and expertise, Greenland’s resources can be developed responsibly, reducing Western dependence on China and strengthening collective security across Europe and North America.
This is not just a win for the United States. It is a win for the West.
For years, Europe has depended on American security while criticizing American leadership. Trump reversed that dynamic. He forced allies to negotiate seriously, share responsibility, and think strategically about the future of the Arctic.
The backlash from globalists is predictable. Trump does not speak their language. He does not respect their rituals. He does not submit to unelected institutions or consensus-driven politics. Instead, he negotiates power, territory, resources, and security—openly.
What we are witnessing is not chaos. It is a transition.
The old world order is fading. Globalism as an ideology is losing credibility. In its place, a new era is emerging—what some describe as civilizationism: a worldview that recognizes distinct civilizations, national sovereignty, cultural identity, and strategic self-interest.
Trump’s Greenland deal is not just about land or minerals. It is about redefining power in a multipolar world.
And despite what the legacy media claims, Trump didn’t lose control.
He won Greenland.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shinybull.com. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided; however, neither Shinybull.com nor the author can guarantee the accuracy of this information. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. Shinybull.com and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
The Korean Peninsula was inhabited as early as the Lower Paleolithic period. Its first kingdom was noted in Chinese records in the early 7th century BCE. The succeeding Korean Empire (1897 – 1910) was annexed in 1910 into the Empire of Japan.
Japanese rule ended following Japan`s surrender in World War II, after which Korea was divided into two zones: a northern zone, which was occupied by the Soviet Union, and a southern zone, which was occupied by the United States.
After negotiations on reunification failed, the southern zone became the Republic of Korea in August 1948, while the northern zone became the communist Democratic People`s Republic of Korea the following month.
In 1950, a North Korean invasion began the Korean War, which ended in 1953 after extensive fighting involving the American-led United Nations Command and the People`s Volunteer Army from China with Soviet assistance.
The war left 3 million Koreans dead and the economy in ruins.
The May 16 coup of 1961 led by Park Chung Hee put an end to the Second Republic, signaling the start of the Third Republic in 1963.
South Korea`s devastated economy began to soar under Park`s leadership, recording one of the fastest rises in average GDP per capita.
Despite lacking natural resources, the nation rapidly developed to become one of the Four Asian Tigers based on international trade and economic globalization, integrating itself within the world economy with export-oriented industrialization.
The Fourth Republic was established after the October Restoration of 1972, in which Park wielded absolute power.
The Yushin Constitution declared that the president could suspend basic human rights, and appoint a third of the parliament.
Suppression of the opposition and human rights abuse by the government became more severe in this period
South Korea has since then had a huge economic success. They have big companies like Samsung (which is the biggest company in South Korea), LG Energy Solution, Hyundai, and Kia to name a few.
On top of that, they also have BTS which is a boyband from South Korea. According to the Hyundai Research Institute, BTS was estimated to generate around $3,6 billion annually for the South Korean economy.
In some years, their direct and indirect contribution has been as high as $4,6 billion, which is comparable to major multinational corporations. BTS has been estimated to contribute around 0,3% to 0,5% of South Korea`s GDP in recent years.
This is a remarkable figure for a single music group, considering the country`s GDP was around $1,63 trillion in 2020.
South Korea`s economic success is well known all around the world, and they has become an economic powerhouse. But right now, it seems like their economic model is running out of steam. The economy has been slowing for years. It has basically stopped.
The economy in South Korea is on the way to be like Japan. What in the world is going on?
It all started in the 1950`s. Their economic growth was 10%, and it reached the top in the 1980`s. Then it began to slow. Growth in the 90`s declined to around 7%. Ten years later, the growth went down to 4%. In 2010, their growth was only 3%.
But something has happened in the last five years. The growth has been slowing year by year. This is what’s happening with the economy as they get richer. It happens in all rich countries. But, in South Korea, it seems like this is not temporary. It seems to be a new normal.
Bank of Kora (BOK) has warned that South Korea`s economy may enter negative territory in the next decade. The country is on a declining trajectory. Unless this is going to change, the next generation will be worse off than their parents.
But, how is it possible that a successful country like South Korea with so many high-tech companies can decline like this? Well, it has its own explanation. We need to look at their economic model, and how it came to be, and how it operates today.
The core of the South Korean economy is made up of something called «Chaebols». «Chae» stands for wealth or property, while «Bol» stands for clan or group.
«Chaebols» refers to large, family-owned business conglomerates in South Korea that wield significant influence over the country`s economy.
The influence of chaebols is often cited as a contributing factor to some of South Korea`s economic challenges, but they are not the sole reason for any economic decline. Several factors, including chaebols’ dominance, are at play when examining South Korea`s economic issues.
This is what we see in the U.S., but also in many other places in the West. They blame big corporations, wealthy entrepreneurs, and investors.
It is the concentration of economic power. Chaebols control a large portion of South Korea`s economy, leading to less competition. Their dominance can stifle small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), limiting innovation and growth in other sectors.
Chaebols have also been involved in corruption scandals, often using their power to influence political decisions. This has led to inefficiency in governance and public discontent, undermining economic reforms.
Over-reliance on Export-driven Growth is also considered to be a challenge. Chaebols are heavily focused on industries like electronics, shipbuilding, and automobiles, which are export-driven. This makes the South Korean economy vulnerable to global economic shifts and trade disputes, especially in a world where the diversification of industries is increasingly important.
They also face succession and corporate governance issues. Since chaebols are family-controlled, they often face challenges with leadership transitions between generations. This can lead to inefficiencies and financial mismanagement within these conglomerates.
Strong and independent entrepreneurs have made the wealth you and I have today. They have created products that made our lives better, and their companies have grown to be multi-billion corporations. If this is a problem for countries around the world, well, what can we say? If so, this is not the only reason why the growth is slowing.
We see the same going on in South Korea as well as in Japan and many other places. Broader factors are leading to economic challenges, and one of them is the aging population. South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, leading to a shrinking working-age population.
This demographic challenge puts pressure on economic growth and social welfare systems. This is not only happening in Japan and South Korea. It`s happening in many other places around the world.
We also have a global economic slowdown. South Korea`s heavy reliance on exports means it is susceptible to the global economic downturn. Trade tensions, especially between the U.S., and China, impact South Korea`s major industries.
On top of all that, we have technological disruption. Even though chaebols have driven much of South Korea`s technological advancements, their scale makes them slow to adapt to new digital trends and innovations compared to more agile startups.
So, what is South Korea doing to address these issues? The South Korean government has been working to implement reforms aimed at reducing chaebols’ influence, promoting transparency, encouraging innovation, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
While chaebols have contributed significantly to South Korea`s rapid industrialization and growth, their outsized role can create imbalances in the economy, making reforms crucial for long-term, sustainable growth.
In conclusion, while chaebols are not the sole cause of South Korea`s economic challenges, their dominance and related issues do play a role in creating an environment that can hinder broader economic diversification and reform. As we can clearly see, successful entrepreneurs and large corporations can be both beneficial and problematic for an economy.
Unfortunately, we very often see that successful entrepreneurs are attacked. Especially by socialists. But we have to ask ourselves what we should do without them? Because they are the ones that are creating wealth in the long run. No socialism without capitalism. The socialists need money for the welfare system, and that money comes from entrepreneurs who make goods and services.
Entrepreneurs drive innovation, create new industries, and develop new technologies that can improve productivity. Successful businesses, especially startups, can grow into larger companies, and boost economic growth.
Large corporations provide millions of jobs and stimulate related industries (e.g., supply chains, and service providers). For example, companies like Apple Amazon, or South Korea`s Samsung employ a large global workforce and indirectly create additional jobs in the ecosystem surrounding their businesses.
We can see time and time again, that entrepreneurs are often the source of disruptive innovation, bringing new products and services to the market. Successful entrepreneurs can help transform entire industries.
Large corporations often have the resources to invest in research and development (R&D), leading to technological advancements. For example, tech giants like Google and Microsoft invest heavily in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other areas that push technological boundaries.
Multinational corporations make a country more competitive on the global stage. For example, South Korea`s chaebols (Samsung, Hyundai) or the U.S. tech giants, like Google and Apple, enhance their countries’ global influence. They also attract foreign investment and contribute to the trade balance through exports.
Successful entrepreneurs and large corporations are not inherently bad for the economy. In fact, they can drive growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. However, their dominance can lead to economic and social imbalances that harm the broader population if left unchecked. Balancing their power with fair regulations, competition, and equitable policies can be essential for sustainable economic development.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shinybull.com. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided; however, neither Shinybull.com nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. Shinybull.com and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
People in the West like to think that democracy in the West is much better than autocracy in Russia and China. But, what if China`s «one rule» party, the CCP (China Communist Party) is a better solution than the democratic mess (according to Vladimir Putin) in the West?
Democracy is one of mankind`s greatest achievements. But, for democracy to thrive and grow it must also adapt. We need to know what a democracy is.
The word democracy comes from the Greek words «demos», meaning people, and «Kratos» meaning power, so democracy can be thought of as «power of the people». A way of governing which depends on the will of the people.
It is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. A state governed under a system of democracy.
People in the West vote for their president, political parties, politicians, and prime ministers. In other words: a democratic process. But what about China? They are ruled by one party, and that is CCP. China`s Communist Party. Is it a democracy?
The answer is yes. But it`s more sophisticated than we like to think. People in China call it «Whole-process people`s democracy, which is a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) political concept describing the people`s participation in, and relationship to, governance under socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The term «whole-process democracy» was used to describe existing governance practices such as Chinese experiments with democratic elements in the legislative process and in local government activities.
CCP general secretary Xi Jinping first used the term publicly on November 2, 2019, while visiting Shanghai, and he stated:
«China`s people`s democracy is a type of whole-process democracy» in which legislation is enacted «after going through procedures and democratic deliberations to ensure that decision-making is sound and democratic.»
On July 1, 2021, Xi incorporated the word «people`s» into the concept during his speech at the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, coining the concept’s current name «whole-process people`s democracy.»
Xi tied the concept to «common prosperity.»
The addition of «people`s to the concept emphasizes the Maoist practice of the mass line.
Xi describes four components of whole-process people`s democracy, expressed as pairs relationships:
Process democracy and achievements democracy
Procedural democracy and substantive democracy
Direct democracy and indirect democracy
People`s democracy and the will of the state
According to Xi, this results in «real and effective socialist democracy.»
The concept`s emphasis on «whole-process» is intended to further distinguish the CCP approach to democracy from the procedural qualities of liberal democracy. It includes primarily consequentialist criteria for evaluating claims of democracy`s success. In this view, the most important criterion is whether democracy can «solve the people`s real problems,» while a system in which «the people are awakened only for voting» is not truly democratic.
Liberal democracy or Western democracy is the combination of a liberal political ideology that operates under a representative democratic form of government. It is characterized by-elections between multiple distinct political parties, a separation of powers into different branches of government, the rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society, a market economy with private property, and the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all people.
To define the system in practice, liberal democracies often draw upon a constitution, either codified or uncodified, to delineate the powers of government and enshrine the social contract.
Whole-process people`s democracy also serves as a political tool to both defend the Chinese government`s governance practices and criticize liberal democracy.
In the CCP`s view, whole-process people`s democracy is «more extensive, more genuine, and more effective» than American democracy.
The CCP uses the concept of whole-process people`s democracy as a means to participate in global discourses on democracy, seeking to deflect criticism and improve its foreign relations. This ties into the government`s larger efforts to promote its global leadership.
In that regard, the Chinese government`s 2021 white paper China: «A Democracy that Works» emphasizes the whole-process people`s democracy perspective in an effort to demonstrate the country`s «institutional self-confidence.»
The white paper argues that the whole-process people`s democracy is the impetus behind China`s development and growth.
Qin Gang is a Chinese diplomat and politician, and he stated this. «Isn`t it obvious that both China`s people-center philosophy and President Lincoln`s «of the people, by the people, for the people», are for the sake of the people? Shall we understand China`s socialist whole-process democracy as this: from the people to the people, with the people, for the people?»
China practices the whole-process people`s democracy, which not only means that people engage in democratic elections, but they`re also involved in consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight.
According to CCP, people`s democracy is the lifeblood of socialism, and it is integral to China`s efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects.
If we compare Chinese Democracy with American Democracy or Western Democracy, the key difference is that China focuses far more on substantial democracy. Western Democracy places more emphasis on procedural democracy. A Democracy in the West is equivalent to «one person, one vote, universal suffrage, and a multi-party system.»
China`s democracy focuses far more on the purpose and objectives of democracy. Especially good governance, and what they can deliver to the people.
Whole-process democracy encourages the expansion of democratic channels, and diversifies the forms of democracy, so as to ensure that people can participate in the management of State, economic, cultural, and social affairs.
It also ensures that people`s congresses at all levels are formed through democratic elections, and guarantees that people`s congresses and their standing committees lawfully exercise the powers of enacting laws, conducting oversight, making decisions, appointing, and removing officials.
It improves the working mechanisms for drawing on public opinion and pulling the wisdom of the people. And these are not only words. When Chinese leaders say something, they mean it and take action to turn that into reality.
The Chinese people`s political consultative conference (CPPCC), is China`s highest advisory body and plays a vital role in China`s consultative democracy. It encourages active participation in the deliberation, and administration of state affairs, promoting the democratic, and scientific decision-making process of the party, and the state.
The CPCC has more than 3,200 organizations at four administrative levels. National, provincial, city, and country, with more than 600,000 CPPCC members from 34 areas, including 8 other political parties, and representatives from Science and technology, literature and art, economics, sports, religion, and other areas.
According to Chair Professor at Soochow University, Victor Gao Zhikai, few people in Western countries want to acknowledge that the Communist Party of China is not the only political party at all. In addition to the CPC, there are 8 other democratic parties;
The Communist Party of China
The Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang
The China Democratic League
The China Democratic National Constitution Association
The China Association for Promoting Democracy
The Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party
The China Zhi Gong Party
The Jiu San Society
The Taiwan Democratic Self-government League
In addition to this, there is a large Chamber of Commerce, which caters to business owners, private business owners, etc, and on top of that, there is a larger group of people called people without political affiliations.
This is the only way China has achieved such explosive productivity, efficiency, and economic, and political transformation over a short period of only about 43 years.
The legislative information offices not only promote China`s rule of law, but also practice whole-process people`s democracy by listening to the public and gathering the wisdom of the people for efficient, and high-quality National legislation.
The small grassroots legislative information office has become a significant democratic platform.
It`s all a part of a Chinese evolution. In November 1931, before the People`s Republic of China was established, the first national people`s Congress of the Soviet Republic of China was held in Zhangshi province.
In caves along the northern Shanxi Plateau, they used soybeans to cast their votes to elect the cadres. In September 1954, the first session of the first national people`s Congress was held. Marking the official establishment of the people`s Congress system as the fundamental political system in China.
After decades of practice, and exploration, China has been continually improving the people`s Congress system. People accessing their voting rights is an important manifestation of people being the masters of the country, which is the essence of democracy.
Among the nearly 3,000 deputies to the 14th NPC, 16,69% are workers and farmers. Besides the Communist Party, there are 8 other political parties that all have representation in the NPC. There are also a sizable proportion of delegates without any stated political affiliation. The 55 ethnic minorities hold 14,85% of the NPC seats.
For many people in the West, democracy means the right for each person to vote for their leaders. This is basically why they reject the idea that China has a democracy. But what people in the West don’t understand is that Chinese people are deeply involved in the elections of leaders of various levels.
Millions of urban and rural citizens do in fact directly vote for the representatives who govern their daily lives, who then make decisions that accurately reflect the needs, and desires of the people from the most fundamental level.
It`s normal for more than 90% of Chinese voters to turn out in the village, and Community elections all across China, which is much higher than in most Western democracies.
There are now over 2,7 million deputies in the people`s Congress across the country. More than 1 million registered voters have participated in county, and Township level elections.
The ultimate goal of elections is to choose the virtuous, and the capable who can solve today`s most urgent problems, and lead the country toward development.
China`s political system guarantees the rights of its people to elect their representatives, but more importantly, it guarantees that those representatives will be held accountable to the people.
The CPC leadership regards democratic supervision by the people as one of the highest priorities. Article 3 of the Constitution of the people`s Republic of China states:
«All administrative, judicial, and procuratorial organs of the state are created by the people`s congress to which they are responsible, and under whose supervision they operate.»
Democratic supervision refers to consultative supervision carried out by means of opinions, suggestions, and criticism. China has implemented several channels of democratic supervision. Today, democratic supervision is part of everyone`s daily life. People can monitor, and supervise how authorities exercise power at any place, and at any time through many kinds of democratic channels, and platforms.
China has a 1,2,3,4,5 citizen hotline service center, and that has been going on since 1987. When you call 1,2,3,4,5 to file a complaint, an operator will put you through to the right department to talk to. In 2019, the hotline was upgraded with time-sensitive feedback services.
In 2021, the mechanism was further improved and upgraded. They selected the most common issues that people called about that were hard to solve. They dedicated special task forces to focus on these issues.
About 350 cities have these hotlines, and they provide first-hand information about public opinions and concerns that City officials could hardly get in other ways.
Since the founding of New China, people have expressed their opinions on state affairs, both large and small, and party leadership has been relentlessly exploring appropriate, convenient, and diversified forms of supervision by the people.
Satisfying the public need for information, and the need to speak out is no easy task for a country of 1,4 billion people. Undeterred by this daunting task, the country`s leadership has emphasized democratic supervision throughout the whole process of performing duties.
The only litmus test of a democracy is whether it can generate real benefits. Making the country a better place to live, and making the lives of its people better.
Democracy has always been cherished by China, and its people, and it will continue to evolve in China with its own Chinese characteristics. China has lifted nearly 99 million out of poverty. It has built the world`s largest social security system, and health care system, covering more than 1,3 billion people. More than 10 million jobs have been created each year for 15 consecutive years.
China`s success is caused by one major thing: capitalism. It doesn`t matter what system you have if you don`t earn money. Even the Soviets would have succeeded if they earned money. The editor’s opinion is that the difference between democracy, autocracy, or dictatorship is very tiny. It`s all about money. It`s money that matters. Money comes first.
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