Fine law for good governance

Other Views

Administrative agencies at present tend to stretch their powers to seek narrow interests, which is a major reason for the extremely complicated administrative procedures, which, in turn, breed corruption. Whether the list demarcating the powers of different agencies can help change the situation will depend on whether related laws are passed and executed properly.

He Bing, a professor of law at China University of Political Science and Law, sina.cn, Oct 28

The power list system is expected to draw a clear line between administrative powers and individual rights, and prevent the use of such powers from violating rights. But a system on paper needs the help of the judiciary's rulings against power abusers to become good in practice.

Yang Xiaojun, a professor at China Academy of Governance, fawan.com, Oct 28

The move to demarcate administrative powers is welcome. But the authorities have to pass laws to clarify the responsibilities of officials and government agencies so that they can be punished for their wrongdoings. For example, the lack of a specific law has enabled many urban management officials to get just administrative penalty instead of being sued for abusing their powers and violating people's rights. This should change.

Yang Chengju, a professor of law at Anhui University, farmer.com.cn, Oct 29

Chaos marked the use of administrative power in many environmental protection cases, with law enforcers deciding at will whether or how much to fine a polluting enterprise. Law enforcement is a vital part of administrative power, so regulating it with the help of law will be a huge challenge.

Xie Zhiyong, professor at China University of Political Science and Law, China Environmental News, Oct 29

One of the principles of market economy is the protection of individual rights and property. Officials abusing their powers to blackmail, and even pillage, legal businesses neglected that principle, hurting the economic order and social justice. We expect the new rules to uproot this cancer from society.

hsw.cn, Oct 29