Waning Officialdom Fatigue in the Chinese Communist Party: Former Official Says People’s Hearts Yearn for “Moisture”

In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has been promoting the study of “Xi Jinping Thought” both within and outside the system under the guise of maintaining the authority of the Party leader Xi Jinping and “centralized unified leadership.” However, this has led to a situation where officials in the system are increasingly engaging in passive resistance and adopting a “lying flat” attitude.

Two former Chinese Communist Party officials who recently went abroad told Epoch Times that many people within the system are feeling disillusioned with political study and are eager to leave the country due to severe internal competition and frustrations.

Ms. Chang, a civil servant at a central unit and a section-level cadre, moved to a European country from China a year ago. Despite being in what she described as one of the best units in her city where salaries remained unaffected by the pandemic, she witnessed numerous colleagues leaving their positions over the past two years. Feeling disenchanted with the mandatory study of “Xi Jinping Thought,” she eventually resigned and left the country.

According to Ms. Chang, the intensified ideological controls, especially during the pandemic, have led to a situation where meetings are filled with the study of Xi Jinping’s thought, causing widespread complaints among colleagues. Even non-Party members like herself were forced to write ideological reports, adding to the burden on Party members who faced additional meeting and reporting requirements.

Describing the atmosphere within the system as reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution, Ms. Chang expressed that the political pressure and surveillance have made it challenging for individuals to find joy in their work or pursue personal fulfillment. The increased emphasis on political obedience has also limited personal freedoms, including restrictions on celebrating Western festivals.

Following the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, new laws and regulations were implemented under the banner of national security, creating an environment of fear and suspicion. Individuals were reminded not to share work-related photos on social media and were subjected to frequent checks on their knowledge of various security laws, fostering a sense of paranoia in the workplace.

Ms. Chang highlighted the deteriorating conditions for grassroots government officials, many of whom were facing reduced salaries and were tasked with meaningless assignments, particularly in pandemic control efforts. She mentioned instances where officials were compelled to arrange for vaccinations, even resorting to personal funds to meet quotas set by the authorities.

Moreover, the pressure to meet unrealistic targets and fulfill political directives that did not benefit the public welfare created a sense of disillusionment and detachment among officials like Ms. Chang and others. The lack of meaningful engagement in serving the people and the constant demand for compliance further strained their mental and physical well-being.

The high rate of youth unemployment and the increased competition for civil service positions have driven many to seek opportunities within the system. However, as Ms. Chang elaborated, even those with the qualifications and perks offered within the system are seeking ways to leave, reflecting a broader trend of dissatisfaction and disillusionment among government officials.

The stringent policies and relentless demands placed on officials, such as the mandatory completion of tasks or facing penalties, have resulted in a climate of fear and uncertainty within the system. This, combined with personal experiences of mistreatment and lack of recognition, has driven individuals like Ms. Chang and her colleague to seek opportunities outside of China.

Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment among those familiar with the inner workings of the system is a desire for freedom and personal fulfillment that is unattainable within the existing framework. As more individuals become disillusioned with the oppressive nature of the system, there is a growing desire to break free from the confines that restrict personal growth and fulfillment.

The experiences of Ms. Chang and Ms. Li underscore the deep-rooted issues within the Chinese bureaucratic system, where arbitrary demands and political pressures overshadow any genuine commitment to public service. Their decision to leave reflects a broader trend of disillusionment and dissatisfaction among government officials, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to address the underlying issues that have eroded trust and morale within the system.