Every democracy must involve civil society in the process…
“Every democracy must involve civil society in the process of establishing budgets, and all sectors of society must be consulted to determine what the real priorities of the population are. Lobbies, including military contractors and other representatives of the military-industrial complex, must not be allowed to hijack these priorities to the detriment of the population's real needs.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Democracy requires broad citizen input on budgeting and must resist capture by powerful interest groups.
In simple terms: People should shape budgets, not elites.
Key Takeaway
Ensure inclusive budgeting processes.
Themes
democracy
participation
budgeting
transparency
power
influence
Mood
concern
determined
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- municipal budgeting
- national fiscal planning
- public consultations
- NGO advocacy
Key Concepts
public policy
civil society
military‑industrial complex
interest group capture
Questions to Reflect On
- How can ordinary citizens effectively influence budget priorities?
- What mechanisms prevent elite capture?
A Different Perspective
Powerful lobbies can still dominate despite formal safeguards.