Cabinet minister Dafydd Trystan Davies has marked 100 days since the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government first met, saying Wales now has a "government of action" after years of complacency. In an article for WalesOnline, the Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution outlined achievements including £145m extra NHS investment and expanded childcare.
Changing the culture of government
Davies said the people of Wales entrusted Plaid Cymru with a historic mandate because they believed Wales could do better, voting for hope and ambition over drift. He acknowledged that 100 days is not enough to solve every challenge, but said it is enough to set a new direction and lay foundations for lasting change.
He said the government inherited systemic challenges, including too many people waiting on NHS lists, parents worried about putting food on the table, and people struggling to access public services. He argued that for too long, Welsh Government sought to manage crises rather than tackle root causes, with governments trapped in a cycle of firefighting while long-term planning took a back seat.
Davies said the creation of a Minister for Government Effectiveness was a statement of intent by the First Minister, aimed at ensuring government delivers real improvements. He made no apology for a measured approach, saying taking time to understand challenges and establish foundations for delivery is responsible government.
Key achievements in first 100 days
The government has tackled the siloed culture that characterised the past, with ministers working towards shared outcomes rather than disjointed departmental agendas. A new public delivery dashboard has been introduced to allow people to track progress against commitments.
In the first 100 days, the government has invested an additional £145 million in the NHS to reduce waiting lists, strengthen preventative healthcare and improve services. An expert group has been established to plan new surgical hubs as part of longer-term work for a more sustainable health service.
Davies said 12.5 hours of funded childcare has been delivered for every two-year-old in Wales, with all 22 local authorities committed to rolling out the offer by the end of the financial year. Free school meals have been expanded to more secondary pupils, and incentives for teacher training increased. A new national school swimming and water safety programme is being rolled out.
Funding and future plans
A £1 billion multi-year funding agreement has been secured for Welsh farmers, and a new north-south coach service has been launched to strengthen connections between communities. Davies said the government has stood up for Wales in dealings with Westminster, demanding fairness on billions owed through HS2 consequentials.
Davies said the first 100 days have been about creating conditions for long-term change, and the work continues to build momentum. As the government moves into the autumn, it will seek common ground with any party in the Senedd that wants to get Wales moving in a positive direction, he said.
