Abstract

This study analyses the secretary general as an organising figure in charge of the co-ordination of the ministerial structures in support of the Minister, under the historical, positive and comparative profile. The reform processes that have affected the ministerial organisation make it imperative to consider more attentively the possibility of attributing a generalised role to the secretary general, the success of which might make it possible to rationalise the functions in relation to the co-ordination of the ministerial structures, reducing the improper performance of the same on the part of the cabinets. Moreover, the secretary general could play a role in processes relating to the emancipation and better performance of the public bureaucracy. It thus appears desirable that measures be taken to reintroduce in a generalised way the figure of the secretary general, constituted as the terminal of administrative management and endowed with certain guarantees regarding appointment to the office and the annulment of the same.