Ministers' Thin Skin: A Failure to Grasp Public Sentiment and Political Duty

Reflecting on the reported dismay of ministers regarding recent criticism, one is reminded of Tony Blair's candid observation in his memoirs: "Leave before they stop listening, stop liking, and start hating… that was my hope." It appears that no member of the current cabinet truly comprehends the ephemeral nature of public affection. Primarily technocrats rather than seasoned politicians, they fail to recognize that even the most ardent public support is transient. History consistently demonstrates this, with even towering figures like Charles de Gaulle eventually facing a shift in public sentiment.

This thin-skinned resentment is utterly baffling for public servants. Anyone assuming public office must accept the inherent bargain: the costs and liabilities alongside the privileges. To govern is to invite scrutiny, particularly when decisions impact millions. Widespread public approval is a rarity under normal circumstances, and expecting it amidst the severe, extraordinary hardships our country currently faces is sheer delusion. Can a minister implementing deeply unpopular policies realistically anticipate a positive public reaction? Decidedly not. Will the public warm to them? Absolutely not. A minister must understand that maintaining minimal engagement under the guise of "we are doing what we believe is right" will never garner public approval.

Ministers and officials suffer from a fundamental deficit in understanding public sentiment—a skill that necessitates training and education when lacking a political background. Most of our ministers simply do not grasp political dynamics or the obligations inherent in public office. This administration is plagued by a crisis in political communication. It fails to engage effectively with the public; when it does, the effort is often performative or delayed. When officials do surface, they frequently rely on outlets lacking credibility. Consequently, their message gets lost, fails to resonate in the public square, or even ignites new crises due to missteps at every stage—from platform selection to message tone and a disregard for dissenting views.

Instead of addressing direct public concerns, most current ministers resort to overwhelming the public with data—an obsession with presentations that sidesteps difficult questions. Countless opportunities to build trust have been squandered due to the government's lack of a coherent political communication strategy. A minister may become angry, even while acknowledging that transparency is the sole defense against public criticism. If officials genuinely believed in public accountability, there would be no basis for anger—they are, after all, bound by oath to serve the people. However, years of sidelined media and restricted freedoms have cultivated an illusion that accountability has ceased to exist. Believing scrutiny is suspended, officials react with indignation to the slightest public critique.

This anger over criticism reveals a broader truth about the administration and its policy biases, extending from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly down to the newest cabinet appointees. The government remains at odds with the middle class, despite many ministers originating from it. They fail to grasp that empowering the middle class—not undermining it—is the absolute baseline for any successful public policy. Nor is it possible to comprehend the administration’s persistent logic, which consistently prioritizes concrete projects and infrastructure over human well-being. Even the administration’s social programs represent a mere drop in the ocean compared to the relentless burden of fees, inflation, and economic strain imposed upon citizens.

Public office is a privilege, and serving the public is its duty. Those unwilling to bear that weight should have declined their cabinet appointments rather than blaming the public. These ministers must revisit history and relearn the fundamental tenets of public life and civic duty. There is no such thing as an "offended government."