This is the crux of why neoliberal policies don't work.
replyPublic-private partnerships are a breeding ground for corruption. The government either needs to own what it owns or completely give up and leave it to a well regulated private market.
That's not to say one off contacts need to be eliminated. But when it comes to things like building and maintain roads, these private contacts end up being huge sinkholes for public funds.
Public-private partnerships work very well in Asia. But the government has more oversight over the private entity and a heavier hand with policing results.
replyA big problem in the Anglosphere in particular is that the government is too focused on politics and catering to internal stakeholders and not enough on measurable results.
I've heard horror stories about some parts of Asia. There are huge cities built because some bureaucrat wanted to build it, not because anyone wanted to live there. And the buildings are largely empty. Those are the most visible examples.
replyThat being said, there are some good examples too. And even a few good examples might be better than the partnerships in Canada.
Let's not forget 1MDB, where $4.5B of government money was looted under the pretense of investment.
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