Socialists and Civil Servants. Introduction to Part II

Abstract

Socialist acculturation to the state implied the acquisition of its codes, functioning and language by the leaders of the different national parties. From the First World War to the late 1990s, socialist-leaning civil servants thus played a prominent role as intermediaries between these organisations and the state apparatus. In the second half of the twentieth century, this increasing overlap was crucial, when socialists were in office, to push through an ambitious programme of economic and social reforms. Over the last two decades, however, ties between socialists and civil servants were increasingly loosening. While discussing the causes of this growing disaffection, Part II addresses the crucial issue now on the table, which is whether or not this situation can be reversed.