When the Communist Party of China rolled out its eight-point decision in December 2012, it aimed to curb bureaucracy, formalism, hedonism and extravagance among officials on the Chinese mainland. A decade later, the impact is clear: leaner banquets, faster services and a renewed bond between leaders and residents.
Rather than abstract policy, this decision has touched daily life. In Zhejiang Province, officials once known for lavish feasts now focus on community festivals, easing the old pressures of gift-giving and showy hospitality. As one local resident put it, "things really have changed."
At a national level, data tell the story: since the 20th National Congress, supervisory bodies have handled 768,000 cases of misconduct close to people, disciplined 628,000 officials and transferred 20,000 cases for prosecution. This rigorous follow-through has swept away wasteful spending and built a cleaner political climate that citizens can feel in everyday interactions.
Another sign of progress is the rise of one-stop service windows. Gone are the days of smiling-face bureaucracy that masked red tape. Now, registering property can be completed in a single visit and within five working days. Efficiency is no longer a promise but a tangible reality.
By tackling both high-level ills and the small but urgent issues that affect daily life, the eight-point decision has delivered fairness, justice and real benefits to millions. In the process, it has reinforced public trust and carved a path toward more responsive governance.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers watch these reforms unfold, the lesson is universal: staying close to the people you serve is not just good politics, it is the bedrock of lasting progress.
Reference(s):
How the eight-point decision brings the Party and people closer
cgtn.com
