But the people don't need Chen's critique to know how inefficient their government is. Government officials should also be well aware of the problems. But the functions of a modern government are not limited to administrative efficiency. It also needs to keep an eye on the general atmosphere and its fingers on the pulse of public and media opinion, able to choose the best solution accordingly. Those in power need to make correct judgements and choose appropriate solutions to societal changes.
Efficiency comes later, in the implementation of solutions.
Chen's criticism was centered around implementation, but the government's capacity for political judgement has also been far from satisfactory. The five examples Chen raised were all about the Executive Yuan not doing its job well, but the negative impact of those problems are all local and temporary. The DPP government has been in power for nine months. The time for magnanimous appraisal of a new rule is long gone. The legislative, county and city elections at the end of this year will be a test of public satisfaction with DPP rule.