BULLDOZER INITIATIVE PRESS REVIEW
Read what the press says about it

The Bulldozer initiative aims not only to introduce important reforms but also to empower and train local groups in advocating change, and to establish sustainable democratic mechanisms for civic participation in government.

Therefore, an important part of the reform programme relies on a strong grassroots and public awareness effort: The sustainability of the reform process depends on the participation of local businesses and on their education in the lobbying process. Their involvement depends on their belief in, or skepticism about, the results, and on their understanding of the lobbying mechanism: They need to see for themselves that it can be done, and how to achieve concrete results.

The awareness campaign has been organized around high-level events that each mark a specific achievement (Committee completes its preliminary work, Committee hands over reforms to government, Parliaments receive reforms, etc…). These events have taken place at symbolic locations (press conference in front a real bulldozer, all parliaments meeting at the National Theatre with the Bulldozer Committee, signing of Prosperity Protocols at the Botanical Gardens, etc…). Finally, an open-door policy has been used with journalists: Information on the day-to-day Bulldozer process has been given out continuously by OHR or by local Bulldozer representatives through press releases, interviews or informal breakfasts with journalists.

Using this approach enables the Committee to maintain a high momentum at all times, which is very beneficial to the dialogue process. Every week, articles mention the issues that are identified as economic roadblocks by the Bulldozer Committee. The press helps sustain a national debate on economic reforms and helps keep small and medium entrepreneurs informed about the specifics of the legislation that has slowed down their development.