"Society has to change, but the political powers we have at the moment are not enough to effect this change. The whole democratic system would have to be rethought"

In this quote, José Saramago is making an extensive critique of contemporary democratic systems and their capability to enact significant societal modification. Saramago, a Nobel Prize-winning author understood for his vital views on politics and society, is recommending that the present political structures are insufficient for addressing the extensive difficulties and improvements that society needs. He suggests that while society requires to evolve-- whether in terms of social justice, environmental sustainability, financial equity, or other pushing concerns-- the existing political systems are inadequate.

The expression "Society has to alter" acknowledges an urgency for transformation. This can be interpreted in various contexts, such as combating climate change, attending to systemic inequalities, or reacting to technological improvements that impact jobs and privacy. Saramago highlights a crucial mismatch between the societal needs and the abilities or determination of political powers to resolve these concerns effectively.

By stating that "the political powers we have at the minute are insufficient to effect this modification", Saramago is discreetly critiquing the inertia and limitations fundamental in existing political systems. Democratic procedures, theoretically suggested to represent the collective will and drive progress, frequently succumb to administrative sluggishness, vested interests, and short-term electoral goals, therefore hindering significant reforms.

When Saramago presumes that "the entire democratic system would need to be rethought", he is prompting an essential reassessment and potentially a redesign of democratic governance. This call for a reevaluation suggests that incremental reforms may not be adequate; rather, what is required is a groundbreaking approach to how democracy functions. This could include exploring new types of political engagement, decision-making that much better represents varied populations, and systems that can respond more quickly and efficiently to social imperatives.

In essence, Saramago's quote is a call to awareness, urging society to question and transform its political systems to really meet the needs of its time. It shows an ingrained belief that without reconsidering our democratic frameworks, society will have a hard time to enact the required modifications for a sustainable and equitable future.