Striving to Avoid Formalism and Bureaucratism

The Party’s work style is the Party’s image, it concerns the support or opposition of the people, and it determines the success or failure of the Party’s and the state’s undertakings. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing at the strategic height of the overall development of the Party’s and the state’s undertakings, has published a series of important discourses on strengthening the Party’s work style construction, and has put forward a series of new ideas, new viewpoints, and new theses, providing scientific guidance for striving to avoid formalism and bureaucratism. We must persist in deep study and thorough understanding, grasp the core essence, comprehend the spiritual substance, clarify the practical requirements, uphold and apply the standpoints, viewpoints, and methods that run through them, persistently strengthen the Party’s work style construction, continuously and deeply rectify formalism and bureaucratism, and promote the in-depth implementation of the study and education on thoroughly implementing the spirit of the Eight-Point Regulations to go deeper and be more practical.

党的作风就是党的形象，关系人心向背，决定党和国家事业成败。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记站在党和国家事业发展全局的战略高度，围绕加强党的作风建设发表一系列重要论述，提出一系列新思想新观点新论断，为力戒形式主义、官僚主义提供了科学指引。我们要坚持深学细悟，把握核心要义、领悟精神实质、明确实践要求，坚持好、运用好贯穿其中的立场观点方法，持之以恒加强党的作风建设，持续深入纠治形式主义、官僚主义，推动深入贯彻中央八项规定精神学习教育走深走实。

Effectively Strengthen the Sense of Responsibility, Urgency, and Mission

切实增强责任感使命感紧迫感

The main manifestations of formalism are the disunity of knowledge and action, the lack of seeking practical results, a mountain of documents and a sea of meetings, showy but insubstantial moves, greed for empty fame, and falsification and deception. The main manifestations of bureaucratism are detachment from reality and from the masses, standing high above the masses and ignoring reality, considering oneself as the only authority, and self-aggrandizement.

形式主义主要表现是知行不一、不求实效，文山会海、花拳绣腿，贪图虚名、弄虚作假。官僚主义主要表现是脱离实际、脱离群众，高高在上、漠视现实，唯我独尊、自我膨胀。

Formalism deviates from the requirement of the unity of form and content, one-sidedly pursuing form while neglecting substantive content and effects. Bureaucratism deviates from the source and destination of power, and thereby deviates from the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission. A comprehensive analysis shows that formalism and bureaucratism share common characteristics, harms, and roots, and have an intrinsic connection; both are keen on performing for superiors, not taking responsibility for subordinates, and not considering practical results. We must stand at the height of clearly speaking politics, and profoundly grasp the important significance and practical urgency of striving to avoid formalism and bureaucratism.

形式主义背离形式和内容相统一的要求，片面追求形式而忽视实质内容和效果。官僚主义背离权力的来源和归宿，进而背离党的初心使命。综合分析可见，形式主义和官僚主义有着共同的特征、危害和根源，具有内在的联系，都热衷于对上表现、不对下负责、不考虑实效。我们要站在旗帜鲜明讲政治的高度，深刻把握力戒形式主义、官僚主义的重要意义和现实紧迫性。

First, profoundly understand the serious harmfulness of formalism and bureaucratism.

其一，深刻认识形式主义、官僚主义的严重危害性。

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes that “formalism and bureaucratism kill

习近平总书记强调“形式主义、官僚主义害死人”，并多次用“大敌”来形容形式主义、官僚主义的严重危害性。“形式主义、官僚主义同我们党的性质宗旨和优良作风格格不入，是我们党的大敌、人民的大敌”“形式主义、官僚主义是目前党内存在的突出矛盾和问题，是阻碍党的路线方针政策和党中央重大决策部署贯彻落实的大敌”“形式主义、官僚主义是党和国家事业发展的大敌”“形式主义、官僚主义是实现新时代新征程党的使命任务的大敌”。这些重要论述，可谓一针见血、振聋发聩。

Understood from the perspective of upholding the political line, the harm of formalism and bureaucracy manifests in the following aspects: first, they obstruct the implementation of the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, impair the authority of the Party Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, and harm the development of the Party and the state’s undertakings; second, they violate the nature and purpose of the Party, damage the flesh-and-blood ties between the Party and the masses, undermine the Party’s prestige and image, and erode the Party’s governing foundation. At the same time, formalism and bureaucracy directly damage the Party’s internal atmosphere and political ecosystem, distort cadres’ worldview, outlook on life, and values, increase the burden on grassroots cadres, and dampen their enthusiasm for undertaking work and starting enterprises.

从讲政治的高度来认识，形式主义、官僚主义的危害性表现在以下方面：一是阻碍党中央决策部署的贯彻落实，损害党中央权威和集中统一领导，危害党和国家事业发展；二是违背党的性质和宗旨，损害党同人民群众的血肉联系，损害党的威信和形象，侵蚀党的执政根基。同时，形式主义、官僚主义还会直接损害党内风气和政治生态，扭曲干部的世界观、人生观、价值观，加重基层干部负担，挫伤干事创业的积极性。

Second, deeply understand the essence and root causes of formalism and bureaucracy.

其二，深刻认识形式主义、官僚主义的实质和根源。

Only by seeing through the appearance to grasp the essence can we find the deep-seated reasons for the emergence of problems and work hard on ideals and convictions, work procedures, systems and mechanisms, and other aspects to curb unhealthy tendencies.

只有透过现象看本质，才能找到问题产生的深层次原因，从理想信念、工作程序、体制机制等方面下功夫抑制不正之风。

In 2013, when General Secretary Xi Jinping conducted research and guided the Party’s mass line education and practice campaign in Hebei, he pointed out: “The essence of formalism is subjectivism and utilitarianism; its root cause is a misplaced outlook on political performance and a lack of sense of responsibility, substituting vigorous forms for solid implementation, and covering up contradictions and problems with a glossy exterior. The essence of bureaucracy is the lingering influence of feudal remnants; its root cause is a serious mentality of officialdom and a distorted view of power, acting like an official and a lord, standing aloof from the masses, divorced from reality and the masses.” In 2019, in his speech at the Third Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Behind formalism lie utilitarianism and pragmatism, a misplaced outlook on political performance and a lack of sense of responsibility, wanting only to be an official but not to do work, wanting only to shine but not to bear responsibility, content with making a show, emphasizing visible achievements over latent ones, and packaging over actual results. Behind bureaucracy lies the mentality of officialdom, a deviation in values and a distorted view of power, blindly relying on personal experience and subjective judgment, seriously divorced from reality and the masses.” These two important expositions, from the height of upholding the political line and Party spirit, from the dimension of firmly establishing a correct view of power and political performance, and from the perspective of adhering to the unity of internal and external causes, profoundly reveal the essence and root causes of formalism and bureaucracy.

2013年，习近平总书记在河北调研指导党的群众路线教育实践活动时指出：“形式主义实质是主观主义、功利主义，根源是政绩观错位、责任心缺失，用轰轰烈烈的形式代替了扎扎实实的落实，用光鲜亮丽的外表掩盖了矛盾和问题。官僚主义实质是封建残余思想作祟，根源是官本位思想严重、权力观扭曲，做官当老爷，高高在上，脱离群众，脱离实际。”2019年，习近平总书记在十九届中央纪委三次全会上的讲话中指出：“形式主义背后是功利主义、实用主义作祟，政绩观错位、责任心缺失，只想当官不想干事，只想出彩不想担责，满足于做表面文章，重显绩不重潜绩，重包装不重实效。官僚主义背后是官本位思想，价值观走偏、权力观扭曲，盲目依赖个人经验和主观判断，严重脱离实际、脱离群众。”这两段重要论述从讲政治、讲党性的高度，从树牢正确权力观、政绩观的维度，从坚持内因和外因相统一的视角，深刻揭示了形式主义、官僚主义的实质和根源。

The problems of formalism and bureaucracy have both the reasons of leading cadres themselves and the influence of the external environment; they are the result of the interweaving of multiple factors. For example, imperfect systems, mechanisms, and institutions; unsatisfactory aspects in the checks and oversight mechanisms for the allocation and exercise of power, the selection and appointment of personnel, supervision, inspection, assessment, and accountability, as well as the political ecosystem, are important factors that give rise to formalism and bureaucracy. Of course, the external environment can only take effect through internal causes. The weak Party spirit of leading cadres and shortcomings in their ability to perform duties are the fundamental reasons for the emergence of formalism and bureaucracy.

形式主义、官僚主义问题，既有领导干部自身原因，也有外部环境的影响，是多种因素综合交织的结果。如，体制机制制度不健全，权力配置运行的制约和监督机制、选人用人、督查检查考核问责以及政治生态等方面不尽如人意，是产生形式主义、官僚主义的重要因素。当然，外部环境只有通过内因才能起作用。领导干部党性不强、履职本领有短板弱项，是产生形式主义、官僚主义的根本原因。

From the perspective of ideological roots, the prevalence of the “Four Forms of Decadence” [1]1 The “Four Forms of Decadence” (四风) refers to formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism, and extravagance, which were the focus of the Party’s mass line education and practice campaign launched in 2013. is, in the final analysis, due to unsteady ideals and convictions. The “Four Forms of Decadence” and their various manifestations are all linked to the “master switch” of worldview, outlook on life, and values. If the “master switch” problem is not properly resolved, various deviations, transgressions, and leakages become inevitable. The essence of formalism and bureaucracy is a departure from the principles of Party spirit, the abandonment of the Party’s purpose, and deviations in the view of power and political performance.

从思想根源上看，“四风”盛行说到底是理想信念不坚定。“四风”问题及其各种表现形式都与世界观、人生观、价值观这个“总开关”有联系。“总开关”问题没有解决好，这样那样的出轨越界、跑冒滴漏就在所难免。形式主义、官僚主义的实质是背离了党性原则，丢掉了宗旨，权力观和政绩观出现了偏差。

From the perspective of interest roots, the emergence of formalism and bureaucracy is due to the selfish thoughts and distracting ideas of some Party members and cadres. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Some leading cadres do not have pure motives for doing things, tying work to personal fame and gain. Some, in order to gain capital for promotion, emphasize visible achievements over latent ones, face over substance, crave greatness and success, and are eager for quick success. Some, in order to cater to superiors and curry favor with leaders, are keen on building projects within the leaders’ ‘visible range,’ fearing not that the masses are dissatisfied but that the leaders do not notice. Some, in order to leave a name for themselves and erect a monument for themselves, prefer ‘putting on a show’ rather than ‘doing things,’ are keen on ‘creating a stir for a moment’ rather than ‘benefiting a region for the long term.’” Leading cadres who like to engage in formalism and bureaucracy do not put the interests of the Party and the people first, but advocate the supremacy of personal interests or small-group interests, thinking only of their own “patch of land,” and for the sake of their so-called “political achievements” or “reputation,” or to protect themselves, they do not hesitate to waste human, financial, and material resources, and even resort to fraud, deceiving superiors and subordinates, thereby causing losses to the Party and the people’s cause.

从利益根源上看，形式主义、官僚主义的出现是因为有些党员干部私心杂念作祟。习近平总书记指出：“一些领导干部做事动机并不那么纯正，把干事和个人名利捆绑在一起。有的为了获取升迁资本，重显绩轻潜绩、重面子轻里子，好大喜功、急功近利。有的为了迎合上级、讨领导欢心，热衷于打造领导‘可视范围’内的项目工程，不怕群众不满意、就怕领导不注意。有的为了给自己留名、替自己立碑，喜欢‘做秀’而不是‘做事’，热衷于‘造势一时’而不是‘造福一方’。”喜欢搞形式主义、官僚主义的领导干部，不是把党和人民的利益放在第一位，而是主张个人利益或小团体利益至上，只想着自己的“一亩三分地”，为了自己所谓的“政绩”“声誉”或者为了明哲保身而不惜耗费人力、财力和物力，甚至弄虚作假、欺上瞒下，从而给党和人民的事业造成损失。

In addition, leading cadres’ “capability panic” and insufficient ability are also important reasons for the emergence of formalism and bureaucracy. The central task of the Party in the New Era and on the new journey has put forward new and higher requirements for the mental state, ideological concepts, quality and ability, work style, and image of leading cadres, but some cadres still have situations that are not compatible. Some, when encountering contradictions and problems, have no idea in mind and are at a loss; some shift blame and pass the buck, transferring thorny problems to others or delegating them down to the grassroots; some cannot come up with practical and effective methods, only copying and mechanically implementing the spirit of superiors, regardless of whether it conforms to reality and can effectively solve problems; some practice self-protection, seeking only to avoid mistakes, disregarding the Party’s line, principles, and policies and the interests of the people, caring only about whether they can evade responsibility and striving to avoid being held accountable.

此外，领导干部“本领恐慌”、能力不足也是产生形式主义、官僚主义的重要原因。新时代新征程党的中心任务，对领导干部精神状态、思想观念、素质能力、作风形象提出了新的更高要求，但有的干部还存在不相适应的情况。有的遇到矛盾和问题，心中无数、束手无策；有的推诿甩锅，把棘手的难题转嫁给他人或下移至基层；有的想不出务实管用办法，只能照抄照搬、机械执行上级精神，而不管是否符合实际和能否切实解决问题；有的奉行明哲保身，但求无过，置党的路线方针政策和人民的利益于不顾，只关心能否规避责任、竭力避免被问责。

Third, deeply understand the important significance of resolutely opposing formalism and bureaucracy.

其三，深刻认识力戒形式主义、官僚主义的重要意义。

At present, China is in a critical period of comprehensively advancing the great cause of building a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization. Formalism and bureaucratism deviate from the Party’s political line, ideological line, organizational line, and mass line; they are “stumbling blocks” and “roadblock tigers” hindering the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. Rectifying formalism and bureaucratism is an inherent requirement for advancing comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in depth and building our Party into a stronger and more powerful Marxist political party; it is an inevitable requirement for closing the ties between the Party and the people and between cadres and the masses, and for consolidating the Party’s long-term governing foundation; it is an urgent requirement for comprehensively advancing the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation; and it is also an objective requirement for leading cadres to fulfill their missions and realize their life value. We must, from the political and strategic heights of the Party’s long-term governance, the nation’s enduring peace and stability, and the people’s well-being and happiness, adopt stricter standards and requirements, take more pragmatic and forceful measures, persistently rectify formalism and bureaucratism, continuously improve the Party’s work style, and provide a strong guarantee for advancing Chinese-path modernization.

当前，我国正处于以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的关键时期。形式主义、官僚主义背离党的政治路线、思想路线、组织路线、群众路线，是阻碍强国建设、民族复兴伟业的“绊脚石”和“拦路虎”。整治形式主义、官僚主义，是纵深推进全面从严治党、把我们党建设成为更加坚强有力的马克思主义政党的内在要求，是密切党群干群关系、巩固党的长期执政基础的必然要求，是全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的迫切要求，也是领导干部担当使命、实现人生价值的客观要求。我们必须从党长期执政、国家长治久安、人民幸福安康的政治和战略高度，以更加严的标准和要求，以更加务实有力的举措，持之以恒纠治形式主义、官僚主义，推动党的作风持续向好，为推进中国式现代化提供有力保障。

Adopt Comprehensive Measures to Deeply Rectify Deep-Seated Maladies

综合施策深入纠治顽瘴痼疾

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “We must not only resolutely oppose formalism and bureaucratism in ideology and work style, but also resolutely oppose formalism and bureaucratism institutionally, sweeping away the soil that breeds and spreads formalism and bureaucratism.” Formalism and bureaucratism are deep-seated maladies; we must adopt comprehensive measures, persistently and deeply rectify them with the spirit of driving a nail, addressing both the symptoms based on their external manifestations and the root causes based on the essence and sources of the problems.

习近平总书记指出，“我们不仅要从思想上作风上坚决反对形式主义、官僚主义，而且要从制度上坚决反对形式主义、官僚主义，扫除形式主义、官僚主义滋生蔓延的土壤”。形式主义、官僚主义是顽瘴痼疾，要坚持综合施策，以钉钉子精神持续深入纠治，既根据其外在表现治标，更针对问题的实质和根源治本。

First, resolutely implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee.

其一，坚决贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示精神和党中央决策部署。

Upholding the Two Establishments and achieving the Two Upholds are concrete; they are reflected in resolutely implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, in the tangible results of fulfilling duties and doing one’s own work well, and in daily words and actions. Whether at the “first mile” or the “last mile” of implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, we must take concrete actions to uphold the authority of the Party Central Committee, which has the final say and the ultimate authority, always maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in political stance, political direction, political principles, and political path, and consciously align with and promptly correct deviations from the Party’s theories, line, principles, and policies.

拥护“两个确立”、做到“两个维护”是具体的，体现到坚决贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示精神和党中央决策部署上，体现在履职尽责、做好本职工作的实效上，体现在日常言行上。无论处于贯彻落实党中央决策部署的“最初一公里”还是“最后一公里”，都必须以实际行动维护党中央一锤定音、定于一尊的权威，始终在政治立场、政治方向、政治原则、政治道路上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，自觉同党的理论和路线方针政策对标对表、及时校准偏差。

Effectively achieve political awareness and overall consideration. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, “We must firmly establish the thinking of the whole country as a single chessboard, consciously act under the overall situation, insist that small principles obey big principles, and local interests obey the overall national interests.” Leading cadres should be adept at thinking about problems, making decisions, and handling affairs from the standpoint of the Party and the people, and from the overall work of the Party and the state. Even work deployments within the scope of departmental and local authority must be premised on resolutely implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, ensuring that orders are carried out and prohibitions are heeded.

切实做到讲政治、顾大局。习近平总书记强调，“要牢固树立全国一盘棋思想，自觉在大局下行动，坚持小道理服从大道理、地方利益服从国家整体利益”。领导干部要善于从党和人民的立场、党和国家工作大局出发想问题、作决策、办事情，即使是部门和地方职权范围内的工作部署，也都要以坚决贯彻党中央决策部署为前提，做到令行禁止。

Firmly grasp the strategic positioning of various regions and departments in the national development overall situation, and fully and faithfully implement the principles, measures, and requirements determined by the Party Central Committee without any discount. Different regions have objectively uneven economic conditions and natural endowments, and they have different strategic positions, shoulder different responsibilities, and play different roles in the national overall situation. They should base themselves on their own realities, consciously integrate departmental and local work into the grand chessboard of the Party and the state’s cause, plan for one region from the overall situation, serve the overall situation with one region, leverage their respective strengths, and achieve both glory for one region and added luster for the overall situation.

牢牢把握各地区各部门在国家发展大局中的战略定位，全力以赴把党中央确定的原则、明确的举措、提出的要求不折不扣贯彻落实好。不同地区经济条件、自然条件不均衡是客观存在的，在全国大局中有不同的战略定位、肩负不同的责任、发挥不同的作用，应当立足自身实际，自觉把部门和地方的工作融入党和国家事业大棋局，从全局谋划一域，以一域服务全局，各展所长、发挥优势，做到既为一域争光、更为全局添彩。

Raise the political stance, maintain a normal mindset and strategic resolve. When facing gains and losses, leading cadres should think in terms of the big picture, be good at calculating big accounts, overall accounts, and long-term accounts, and avoid calculating small accounts, partial accounts, and short-term accounts. They must not make judgments confined to their own “one-third of an acre of land,” nor sacrifice overall interests for local interests, or fundamental and long-term interests for temporary interests.

提高政治站位，保持平常心和战略定力。面对利益取舍，领导干部要多打大算盘，善于算大账、总账、长远账，少打小算盘、算小账，不能只算地方账、部门账、眼前账，不能囿于自身“一亩三分地”作判断，更不能为了局部利益损害全局利益、为了暂时利益损害根本利益和长远利益。

Second, adhere to the principle that power is conferred by the people and used for the people, and firmly establish a correct view of power.

其二，坚持权为民所赋、权为民所用，树牢正确权力观。

The Marxist view of power can be summarized in two sentences: power is conferred by the people, and power is used for the people. “Power is conferred by the people” points to the fundamental source and basis of power; “power is used for the people” points to the fundamental nature and destination of power. Building the Party for the public and exercising power for the people is our Party’s governing philosophy. Leading cadres, in holding and exercising power, must firmly establish a correct view of power.

马克思主义权力观，概括起来是两句话：权为民所赋，权为民所用。“权为民所赋”指明了权力的根本来源和基础，“权为民所用”指明了权力的根本性质和归宿。立党为公、执政为民是我们党的执政理念。领导干部掌权用权，必须树牢正确权力观。

Adhere to the principle that all power in the state belongs to the people. The power and positions held by leading cadres are conferred by the Party and the people, and are meant for doing work for the Party and the people; they must be responsible to the Party and the people.

坚持国家一切权力属于人民。领导干部手中的权力、所处的岗位，是党和人民赋予的，是为党和人民做事用的，必须对党和人民负责。

Adhere to exercising power within the framework of the rule of law. Always hold power in awe, remember that power is defined by law, understand where power comes from and where its boundaries lie, and ensure that what is not authorized by law is not done, and what is mandated by law must be done.

坚持在法治轨道上行使权力。要始终敬畏权力，牢记职权法定，明白权力来自哪里、界线划在哪里，做到法无授权不可为、法定职责必须为。

Adhere to the restriction and supervision of power. Improve the mechanism for restricting and supervising the allocation and exercise of power, and resolutely oppose privileged thinking and privileged phenomena. Leading cadres must consciously accept supervision by the Party and the people, prevent the abuse of power, resolutely oppose corruption, and must not turn public power into a tool for personal gain.

坚持对权力的制约和监督。要完善权力配置运行的制约和监督机制，坚决反对特权思想和特权现象。领导干部必须自觉接受党和人民的监督，防止权力滥用，坚决反对腐败，不能把公权力变成谋取个人私利的工具。

Adhere to the unity of power and responsibility. Where there is power, there must be responsibility; power and responsibility should be matched; where there is responsibility, it must be shouldered; where responsibility is lost, it must be pursued. Power is responsibility, and responsibility demands accountability. Leading cadres must perform their duties according to law, fulfill their responsibilities, and achieve the state of knowing responsibility in the heart, bearing responsibility on the body, and fulfilling responsibility in action.

坚持权责统一。有权必有责、权责要对等、有责要担当、失责必追究。权力就是责任，责任就要担当。领导干部必须依法履行职责、恪尽职守，做到知责于心、担责于身、履责于行。

Third, adhere to the people-centered development thought, and firmly establish a correct outlook on political performance.

其三，坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，树牢正确政绩观。

The outlook on political performance reflects the political stance, Party spirit, and realm of vision of leading cadres. The people’s standpoint is our Party’s fundamental political stance, and serving the people wholeheartedly is our Party’s fundamental purpose. Leading cadres should regard bringing well-being to the people as the most important political achievement, and consciously become selfless contributors dedicated to bringing well-being to the people.

政绩观反映领导干部的政治立场、党性修养、境界格局。人民立场是我们党的根本政治立场，全心全意为人民服务是我们党的根本宗旨。领导干部要把为民造福作为最重要的政绩，自觉做矢志为民造福的无私奉献者。

Adhere to taking doing good and practical things for the common people as an important criterion for testing political performance. Both focus on the immediate, making heartfelt efforts to solve the people’s urgent, difficult, and anxious practical problems, doing good and practical things to the satisfaction of the masses, and focus on the long term, improving the institutional mechanisms for addressing livelihood issues, achieving a continuous improvement in the quality of people’s lives.

坚持把为老百姓办好事实事作为检验政绩的重要标准。既立足眼前用心用情着力解决人民群众急难愁盼的实际问题，把好事实事做到群众心坎上，又着眼长远完善解决民生问题的体制机制，实现人民生活品质的不断提高。

Properly handle the relationship between the immediate and the long term, and between latent achievements and visible achievements. General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that leading cadres should have the spiritual realm of “achievements do not necessarily have to be in my tenure” and the historical responsibility of “achievements must necessarily have my contribution.” This requires leading cadres to do more work that lays the foundation and benefits the long term, avoid unrealistic blind comparisons, avoid image projects and political performance projects that waste people’s resources and money, and truly be responsible to history and the people. The reason why Zhejiang’s “Eight-Eight Strategy” [2]2 The “Eight-Eight Strategy” (八八战略) is a provincial development strategy for Zhejiang proposed by Xi Jinping in 2003, outlining eight advantages and eight major measures to guide the province’s comprehensive development. has achieved remarkable results is that over more than 20 years, successive leaders have carried on the work, persevering and achieving long-term success. Leading cadres should adhere to drawing the blueprint to the end, doing both practical things that the common people can see, touch, and benefit from, and things that benefit the present, benefit the long term, and benefit future generations.

把握好当前和长远、潜绩和显绩的关系。习近平总书记多次强调领导干部要有功成不必在我的精神境界、功成必定有我的历史担当。这就要求领导干部多做打基础、利长远的事，不搞脱离实际的盲目攀比，不搞劳民伤财的形象工程、政绩工程，真正做到对历史和人民负责。浙江“八八战略”之所以成绩卓著，就在于20多年来一任接着一任干，持之以恒、久久为功。领导干部要坚持一张蓝图绘到底，既做让老百姓看得见、摸得着、得实惠的实事，也做功在当代、利在长远、惠及子孙的事情。

Follow the mass line of the Party in the New Era. Adhere to doing everything for the people, relying on the people, coming from the masses, and going to the masses, and always maintain flesh-and-blood ties with the masses. In the process of doing mass work, leading cadres should learn and practice the “going down to the grassroots” [3]3 “Going down to the grassroots” (四下基层) refers to a work method promoted in Fujian Province in the late 1980s, involving leading cadres going to the grassroots to publicize policies, conduct research, receive petitions, and solve problems on-site. work method and work system, consciously seek advice from the people and ask about their needs, listen to the people’s voices, respond to the people’s expectations, and effectively do good things well, practical things solidly, and difficult things properly, so that the people’s sense of gain, happiness, and security is more substantial, more guaranteed, and more sustainable.

走好新时代党的群众路线。坚持一切为了人民、一切依靠人民，从群众中来、到群众中去，始终保持同人民群众的血肉联系。在做群众工作的过程中，领导干部要学习践行“四下基层”工作方法和工作制度，自觉问计于民、问需于民，倾听人民呼声，回应人民期待，切实把好事办好、实事办实、难事办妥，让人民群众获得感、幸福感、安全感更加充实、更有保障、更可持续。

Fourth, implement the Party’s ideological line of seeking truth from facts, and creatively implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee.

其四，贯彻党的实事求是的思想路线，创造性落实好党中央决策部署。

Seeking truth from facts is the Party’s basic method of thinking, working, and leading. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, “Whether we can seek truth from facts is the key to the success or failure of all work of the Party and the state.” Adhering to seeking truth from facts means implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee based on reality, and not engaging in formalization, routinization, or superficiality.

实事求是，是党的基本思想方法、工作方法、领导方法。习近平总书记强调，“能不能做到实事求是，是党和国家各项工作成败的关键”。坚持实事求是，就是要立足实际贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示精神和党中央决策部署，不能搞形式化、套路化、表面化那一套。

Conscientiously comprehend and implement the spirit of the Party Central Committee. One must thoroughly grasp the spirit of the Party Central Committee and skillfully integrate it with the actual conditions of one’s own region and field, implementing it creatively. For example, developing new quality productive forces does not mean neglecting or abandoning traditional industries, nor should a single model be imposed. All localities must proceed from reality, establish the new before discarding the old, adapt measures to local conditions, and provide category-based guidance. Based on local resource endowments, industrial foundations, and scientific research conditions, they should selectively promote new industries, new models, and new drivers of growth, use new technologies to transform and upgrade traditional industries, and actively promote the high-end, intelligent, and green development of industries.

认真领悟并贯彻落实好党中央精神。要吃透党中央精神，并善于把党中央精神同本地区本领域的实际有机结合起来，创造性地贯彻落实。比如，发展新质生产力不是要忽视、放弃传统产业，也不要搞一种模式。各地要坚持从实际出发，先立后破、因地制宜、分类指导，根据本地的资源禀赋、产业基础、科研条件等，有选择地推动新产业、新模式、新动能发展，用新技术改造提升传统产业，积极促进产业高端化、智能化、绿色化。

Conduct in-depth investigation and research, make scientific decisions, and implement them correctly. Investigation and research are a treasured tradition of our Party and the basic skill for doing all work well. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, “Investigation and research are the foundation of planning and the way to success; without investigation, there is no right to speak, and without investigation, there is no right to decide” and “Correct decision-making is inseparable from investigation and research, and correct implementation is equally inseparable from investigation and research.” The process of conducting investigation and research is a process of comprehending the Party’s innovative theory and a process of maintaining flesh-and-blood ties with the masses. To master the basic skill of investigation and research, one must both go deep into reality, understand the real situation and various problems, discover and summarize the fresh experiences created by the masses, and, on the basis of investigation, engage in thorough and meticulous thinking to find the essence and laws of things, as well as specific measures and methods to solve problems. Investigation and research must not be a perfunctory exercise or a formality, conducted for the sake of investigation itself; rather, it must truly discover problems, discover real problems, solve real problems, and truly solve problems.

深入调查研究，作出科学决策并正确贯彻落实。调查研究是我们党的传家宝，是做好各项工作的基本功。习近平总书记指出，“调查研究是谋事之基、成事之道，没有调查就没有发言权，没有调查就没有决策权”“正确的决策离不开调查研究，正确的贯彻落实同样也离不开调查研究”。开展调查研究的过程，是领悟党的创新理论的过程，是保持同人民群众血肉联系的过程。掌握调查研究这个基本功，既要深入实际，了解真实情况和各种问题，发现、总结人民群众创造的新鲜经验，又要在调查的基础上进行深入细致的思考，找到事物的本质、规律，找到破解难题的具体措施和办法。调查研究不能走过场、搞形式，为调研而调研，而是要真发现问题、发现真问题，解决真问题、真解决问题。

Respect objective reality and objective laws. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes, “The uneven economic conditions and natural conditions in different regions are objective realities” and “To solve the problem of unbalanced development, we must conform to economic laws and natural laws, adapt measures to local conditions, provide category-based guidance, acknowledge objective differences, and not impose a one-size-fits-all approach.” For example, in promoting comprehensive rural revitalization, we should scientifically grasp the differences and characteristics of various localities, focus on regional features, reflect local customs, and especially protect traditional villages, ethnic villages, and traditional buildings. We should not adopt a uniform model, nor should we use one style for all construction or one color for all painting.

尊重客观实际和客观规律。习近平总书记强调，“不同地区的经济条件、自然条件不均衡是客观存在的”“解决发展不平衡问题，要符合经济规律、自然规律，因地制宜、分类指导，承认客观差异，不能搞一刀切”。比如，推进乡村全面振兴，应当科学把握各地差异和特点，注重地域特色，体现乡土风情，特别要保护好传统村落、民族村寨、传统建筑，不搞统一模式，不要一个样式盖到头，一种颜色刷到底。

Whether it is policy deployment, work arrangements, or promotion measures, they must all conform to actual conditions, respect the scientific spirit, and adhere to adapting measures to local conditions, doing one’s best within one’s capabilities, and acting according to one’s means. If there is a lack of scientific spirit and a pragmatic attitude, if one does not consider one’s own conditions, does not respect objective laws, violates common sense, and makes decisions, expands projects, or launches initiatives blindly, then not only will no achievements be made, but a host of problems will arise, leaving many aftereffects.

无论是政策部署、工作安排，还是推进举措，都要符合实际情况、尊重科学精神，坚持因地制宜、尽力而为、量力而行。如果缺乏科学精神、求实态度，不考虑自身条件，不尊重客观规律，违背常识，盲目作决策、铺摊子、上项目，不仅不能出业绩，反而会带来一堆问题，留下许多后遗症。

Fifth, improve systems and mechanisms to foster a sound political ecosystem.

其五，健全体制机制，营造良好政治生态。

A polluted political ecosystem leads to a harsh political environment; a clean political ecosystem leads to a favorable political environment. Leading cadres should consciously act as strong promoters of a sound political ecosystem, creating a favorable environment for resolutely opposing formalism and bureaucracy.

政治生态污浊，从政环境就恶劣；政治生态清明，从政环境就优良。领导干部应当自觉做良好政治生态的有力促进者，为力戒形式主义、官僚主义营造良好环境。

Improve incentive and constraint mechanisms that encourage practical work. Adhere to the correct orientation for selecting and appointing cadres, vigorously select and promote cadres who are politically reliable, dare to take responsibility, are keen on reform, have outstanding achievements, and are clean and honest, thereby motivating them to work and start businesses. Establish a scientific performance evaluation system for political performance, standardize the mechanism for assessing cadre political performance, and improve the positive incentive mechanism. Promote the mechanism for leading cadres to be able to move up and down, forming a favorable situation where the capable are promoted, the excellent are rewarded, the mediocre are demoted, and the inferior are eliminated, thereby motivating cadres to fulfill their duties diligently and strive for success. Implement a mechanism for tolerating and correcting errors, strictly implement the “Three Distinctions,”[4]4 The “Three Distinctions” (三个区分开来) refers to distinguishing mistakes made in exploring reforms from violations of discipline and law, distinguishing unintended errors in promoting development from intentional violations, and distinguishing irregularities in experimental innovations from prohibited acts. unify strict management and supervision with encouraging responsibility, and clearly stand up for those who take responsibility, back those who are accountable, support those who work, and encourage those who innovate.

健全崇尚实干的激励和约束机制。坚持正确选人用人导向，大力选拔政治过硬、敢于担当、锐意改革、实绩突出、清正廉洁的干部，激励干事创业。健全科学的政绩考核评价体系，规范干部政绩考核机制，健全正向激励机制。推进领导干部能上能下，形成能者上、优者奖、庸者下、劣者汰的良好局面，激励干部恪尽职守、奋发有为。实施容错纠错机制，严格落实“三个区分开来”，把从严管理监督和鼓励担当作为统一起来，旗帜鲜明为担当者担当、为负责者负责、为干事者撑腰、为创新者鼓劲。

Adhere to all-round strict management, regular supervision, and scientific and precise accountability. Comprehensively use methods such as inspections, patrols, and audit supervision to promptly discover and correct problems of formalism and bureaucracy. For those who cause major losses or adverse effects, especially those who turn a deaf ear to central requirements, go their own way, disobey orders, and defy prohibitions, they must be seriously dealt with, held accountable, and pursued for responsibility in accordance with regulations, discipline, and law. Improve the mechanism for making political supervision concrete, precise, and regular, improve the supporting system for strengthening supervision of “top leaders” and leading groups, strengthen the penetrative power of daily management and supervision, and manage key personnel, key points, key matters, and key times.

坚持全方位从严管理、经常性监督和科学精准问责。综合运用巡视巡察、审计监督等手段，及时发现和纠正形式主义、官僚主义问题。对那些造成重大损失或恶劣影响的，特别是对中央要求置若罔闻、我行我素、有令不行、有禁不止的，要依规依纪依法严肃处理、问责追责。健全政治监督具体化、精准化、常态化机制，健全加强对“一把手”和领导班子监督配套制度，强化日常管理监督的穿透力，管好关键人、管到关键处、管住关键事、管在关键时。

Improve the long-term mechanism for reducing burdens at the grassroots level. Conscientiously implement the “Several Provisions on Rectifying Formalism to Reduce Burdens at the Grassroots Level,” effectively streamline documents, strictly streamline meetings, coordinate and standardize supervision, inspection, and assessment, standardize the borrowing of cadres, standardize the management of government mobile internet applications, standardize and clarify grassroots powers and responsibilities, and standardize model creation and standard-reaching activities, freeing cadres’ hands and feet from the shackles and “routines” of formalism and bureaucracy in their work and entrepreneurship.

健全为基层减负长效机制。认真贯彻落实《整治形式主义为基层减负若干规定》，切实精简文件，严格精简会议，统筹规范督查检查考核，规范借调干部，规范政务移动互联网应用程序管理，规范明晰基层权责，规范创建示范和达标活动，把干部干事创业的手脚从形式主义、官僚主义的桎梏、“套路”中解脱出来。

Strengthen the leading role of leading organs and leading cadres. Leading organs are important organs in the national governance system, and leading cadres are the “key minority” in the development of the Party and the state’s cause, serving as a weather vane for the entire Party and society. Leading cadres at all levels should take the lead in transforming their work style, leading by example, and setting an example from above, forming a “head goose effect.”[5]5 “Head goose effect” (头雁效应) is a metaphor for the leading and exemplary role of top officials, likening them to the lead goose in a V-formation whose flight pattern guides the flock. Leading organs at all levels should take the lead in examining and rectifying the problems of formalism and bureaucracy that exist within themselves.

强化领导机关、领导干部带头作用。领导机关是国家治理体系中的重要机关，领导干部是党和国家事业发展的“关键少数”，对全党全社会都具有风向标作用。各级领导干部要带头转变作风，身体力行，以上率下，形成“头雁效应”。各级领导机关要带头查摆、纠治自身存在的形式主义、官僚主义问题。

Polish Political Character and Forge Strong Abilities

擦亮政治本色锻造过硬本领

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out that the problem of work style is fundamentally a problem of Party spirit. Political firmness and strong Party spirit are the decisive factors for leading cadres to resolutely oppose formalism and bureaucracy. Leading cadres must not only consciously accept the strict education, strict management, and strict supervision of Party organizations, but also carry forward the spirit of self-revolution and the spirit of daring to struggle, continuously strengthen ideological tempering, political training, Party spirit cultivation, and practical experience, and comprehensively improve their theoretical literacy, political literacy, Party spirit cultivation, and ability to perform their duties.

习近平总书记指出，作风问题根本上是党性问题。政治坚定、党性坚强，是领导干部力戒形式主义、官僚主义的决定性因素。领导干部既要自觉接受党组织的严格教育、严格管理、严格监督，更要发扬自我革命精神和敢于斗争精神，不断加强思想淬炼、政治训练、党性锻炼、实践历练，全面提升理论素养、政治素养、党性修养和履职能力。

First, strengthen the consciousness of resolutely opposing formalism and bureaucracy through in-depth study of the Party’s innovative theory.

其一，在深入学习党的创新理论中坚定力戒形式主义、官僚主义的自觉。

Political firmness and firmness in Party spirit are inseparable from theoretical firmness. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the Marxism of contemporary China and the Marxism of the 21st century. We should consciously transform this important thought into a powerful force for strengthening ideals, tempering Party spirit, guiding practice, and promoting work, and into vivid practice for implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and directives and the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee.

政治上的坚定、党性上的坚定都离不开理论上的坚定。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想是当代中国马克思主义、21世纪马克思主义。要自觉把这一重要思想转化为坚定理想、锤炼党性和指导实践、推动工作的强大力量，转化为贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示精神和党中央决策部署的生动实践。

Second, forge loyalty to the Party and the people through strict political training.

其二，在严格的政治训练中铸牢对党和人民的忠诚。

Formalism and bureaucracy are essentially political issues and issues of loyalty to the Party. One must accurately identify and resolutely eliminate formalism and bureaucracy, and dare and be good at waging a resolute struggle against formalism and bureaucracy. Leading cadres should consciously temper themselves in serious intra-Party political life, regularly undergo political check-ups, purify their political souls, continuously improve their political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution, be politically clear-minded and honest, always take the Party’s banner as their banner, the Party’s will as their will, and the Party’s mission as their mission, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments,[6]6 The Two Establishments (两个确立) refers to establishing Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. resolutely achieve the Two Upholds,[7]7 The Two Upholds (两个维护) refers to upholding Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. creatively implement the spirit of the Party Central Committee, and ensure the smooth realization of the goals and tasks set by the Party and the state.

形式主义、官僚主义本质上是政治问题、对党忠诚问题。要精准识别和坚决杜绝形式主义、官僚主义，并敢于和善于同形式主义、官僚主义作坚决的斗争。领导干部应自觉在严肃认真的党内政治生活中锤炼，经常接受政治体检、净化政治灵魂，不断提高政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力，做政治上的明白人、老实人，始终以党的旗帜为旗帜、以党的意志为意志、以党的使命为使命，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，坚决做到“两个维护”，创造性地贯彻落实党中央精神，确保党和国家确定的目标任务顺利实现。

Third, strengthen Party spirit cultivation through rigorous Party spirit tempering.

其三，在严肃的党性锻炼中加强党性修养。

Only with strong Party spirit and the abandonment of selfish thoughts can formalism and bureaucracy be effectively rectified. With strong Party spirit, one can build a solid foundation of faith, replenish the calcium of the spirit, and steady the rudder of thought; one can forge a loyalty that is unique, thorough, unconditional, free of any impurities, and without any water; one can, at any time and under any circumstances, be of one heart and one mind with the Party Central Committee, truly love the Party, always worry about the Party, firmly protect the Party, and fully revitalize the Party, and do one’s utmost to practice the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission and complete the tasks entrusted by the Party and the people. Party members and cadres should take tempering Party spirit and improving ideological awareness as a lifelong task, carry forward the thorough spirit of self-revolution, constantly engage in self-reflection, temper the quality and cultivation of Communists, elevate the realm and pattern of Communists, always prioritize the cause of the Party and the people, adhere to wholehearted devotion to public service, act with integrity, and exercise power with caution.

只有党性坚强、摒弃私心杂念，才能有效纠治形式主义、官僚主义。有了坚强的党性，才能筑牢信仰之基、补足精神之钙、把稳思想之舵，才能锻造唯一的、彻底的、无条件的、不掺任何杂质的、没有任何水分的忠诚，才能在任何时候任何情况下都与党中央同心同德，真心爱党、时刻忧党、坚定护党、全力兴党，竭尽全力践行党的初心使命，完成党和人民交给的任务。党员干部要把锤炼党性、提高思想觉悟作为终身课题，发扬彻底的自我革命精神，不断反躬自省，锤炼共产党人的品质修养，升华共产党人的格局境界，时刻以党和人民事业为重，坚持一心为公、坦荡做人、谨慎用权。

Fourth, forge strong abilities through fiery practical experience.

其四，在火热的实践历练中锤炼过硬本领。

At present, the changes in the situation and environment are faster, the tasks of reform, development, and maintaining stability are heavier, the contradictions, risks, and challenges are greater, and the tests of governance are more severe than ever before. The problems that need to be solved are increasingly diverse and complex. To fulfill the duties and missions of the New Era entrusted by the Party and the people, leading cadres must comprehensively enhance their capabilities in all areas. A knife is sharpened on a stone; a person is tempered through practice. [8]8 "刀在石上磨，人在事上练" (dāo zài shí shàng mó, rén zài shì shàng liàn) is a Chinese proverb meaning that just as a knife is sharpened on a stone, a person is tempered through practical affairs. The broad ranks of cadres must consciously take the fiery crucible of practice as the best classroom, weathering storms, seeing the world, strengthening their sinews and bones, and growing their talents, comprehensively improving their capacity for modernization, especially enhancing their skills in promoting high-quality development, serving the masses, and preventing and defusing risks, while simultaneously strengthening their fighting spirit and fighting ability, and focusing on enhancing their capacity to prevent risks, overcome difficulties, meet challenges, and withstand pressure. They must consciously take the people as their teachers, seek advice from the capable, and consult the wise, forging solid skills, consciously shouldering their missions and responsibilities, and making contributions for the Party and the people.

现在，形势环境变化之快、改革发展稳定任务之重、矛盾风险挑战之多、治国理政考验之大前所未有，需要解决的问题越来越多样、越来越复杂。履行好党和人民赋予的新时代职责使命，领导干部必须全面增强各方面本领。刀在石上磨，人在事上练。广大干部要自觉把火热的实践作为最好的课堂，经风雨、见世面、壮筋骨、长才干，全面提高现代化建设能力，特别是提升推动高质量发展本领、服务群众本领、防范化解风险本领，同时加强斗争精神和斗争本领养成，着力增强防风险、攻难关、迎挑战、抗打压能力。要自觉拜人民为师，向能者求教，向智者问策，练就过硬的本领，自觉扛起使命责任，为党和人民建功立业。

(The author is the Education Director of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) of the CPC Central Committee)

（作者系中共中央党校（国家行政学院）教育长）

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