The proper functioning of public services, a test for democracy

High school students have been demanding the replacement of absent teachers since mid-September, highlighting a fundamental issue in public service management. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of democratic governance in delivering public services. Henri Fayol's 1921 work criticized the political management of public services, arguing that political instability hinders long-term planning and local responsiveness. His critique led to the separation of the budget for postal services from the state budget in 1923 and eventually to the establishment of France Télécom and La Poste in 1991. The state has since delegated the management of various public services to large organizations, shielding democracy from responsibilities it cannot fulfill.