Trump signs a law ending the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States of America
Trump signs a law ending the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States of America
Calls have increased today for the importance of institutional stability as the basis for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. However, the recent American experience confirms the fragility of this stability even in the largest economy in the world, as Washington witnessed a comprehensive government shutdown, the first in about seven years. Due to the stagnation in financing the budget.
The impact of such government crises is not limited to fleeting disputes; It causes a direct economic cost and reveals the fragility of governance mechanisms in a large country like America. This has a negative impact on the paths of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their various dimensions.
From here I will discuss with youProtectors of the Earthto what extent this affects efforts to achievethe seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on the fact that it is a global plan that looks at the peoples of the world with a unified view, a view that confirms that we are all people with one destiny and also united by one planet; So keep reading.
How did the story begin?
43 days ago The United States of America entered its first comprehensive government shutdown in nearly seven years, after the Republican and Democratic parties failed to agree on the budget for the new fiscal year. Therefore, the White House Budget Office ordered federal agencies to begin implementing contingency plans related to funding interruptions.
Government closure and its economic repercussions
Today - after this longest government shutdown in American history - estimates indicate that the shutdown has cost the American economy about $55 billion in gross domestic product. Important infrastructure projects were delayed, with billions of dollars in funding frozen in major cities.
The suspension of payment of salaries to about 800,000 federal employees has led to pressure on thecare economy; Domestic demand declined, the activity of small and medium enterprises was hampered, the pace of economic growth declined in general, the implementation of investments was delayed, and the United States of America lost opportunities that would be difficult to replace later.
Government closure hits institutions
The government shutdown is also a reflection of the fragility of decision-making mechanisms in the United States. Because disrupting the work of federal agencies - or directing them to prepare layoff plans - undermines confidence in the rule of law and administrative frameworks. The impact of this situation extends abroad as well, as the interruption of the flow of official data affects the expectations of international markets, as well as confuses financial policies in countries that depend on American economic indicators.
In light of this damaged government scene, the issue of wisdom in preparing the economic budget and managing crises becomes an important axis of enhancing the solidity of institutions and ensuring their commitment to good governance standards and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sustainable development at the heart of the crisis
In this context, we must link the effects of the American government closure to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Disrupting government salaries leads to a decline in spending and economic growth, which contradicts the goal of the eighth goal: decent work and economic growth.
At the same time, the income gap among the poorest families worsens with the interruption of support programs. Which hinders the path of the first goal: eradicating poverty and providing social protection to the most needy groups. The disruption of the work of federal institutions weakens governance indicators and weakens the confidence of citizens and international partners in the effectiveness of public administration. This violates the standards of the sixteenth goal: peace, justice, and strong institutions, and makes the closure a test of the institutional system’s ability to withstand.
From the above, we are certain that the experience of the government closure remains a clear lesson in the importance of enhancing institutional stability to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the government closure crisis has ended with the signing of temporary legislation to reopen the government’s doors, the necessity of reforming public financing mechanisms clearly emerges.
It is also necessary - whichEarth Defenders Foundation deems necessary - to implement precautionary programs to ensure the continuity of basic services and benefits for vulnerable groups in times of crises, in addition to adopting legislation that allows automatic funding for government development agencies when the budget approval is delayed.
In the long term, the budget preparation process must be restructured, and protection mechanisms for social security programs must be imposed. In order to ensure the existence of strong institutions capable of meeting the needs of citizens without interruption. From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this crisis confirms that economic and social stability is inseparable from the flexibility of institutions, and that any disruption will pay a heavy price for society and delay efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
