News item | 04-07-2022 | 9:00 am
A citizens’ forum can help to involve new groups of citizens in decision-making, strengthen the democratic legitimacy of decisions and reduce the distance between citizens and policymakers. The cabinet concluded this on the basis of various studies and previous experiences with citizen forums at home and abroad in a letter to the House of Representatives today. In the near future, the government wants to further explore the option of a citizens’ forum on climate and energy policy together with parliament.
At a citizens’ forum, a group of people – often drawn by lot – comes together to discuss a social issue. The potential of citizen forums has been recognized in various studies, including the report ‘Involved in climate: citizen forums recommended’ by the Brenninkmeijer Committee. Because climate policy has an impact on everyday life, a citizens’ forum can help to better involve society there.
Minister Jetten for Climate & Energy: “The discussion about climate and energy policy affects everyone. That is why I think it is very interesting to investigate whether we can better involve society and break through stalemates through a citizens’ forum. It is important that politicians and administrators agree together what will happen with the results of a citizens’ forum. That is why I want to explore together with parliament whether there is a shared ambition to make a success of a citizens’ forum on climate and energy policy.”
Minister Bruins Slot of the Interior & Kingdom Relations: “There is a lot of strength in our society. A citizens’ forum can therefore be a valuable addition to our parliamentary democracy, especially for complex and broad issues such as those about climate and energy. using experience from society to reduce the distance between “state and street” and thus arrive at supported solutions.”
Essential preconditions
Although the potential of citizens’ forums is widely recognized, studies and experiences with citizens’ forums at home and abroad also show that the success of a citizens’ forum is largely determined by a number of essential preconditions that must be met. For example, a citizens’ forum must be large enough for some representativeness, but small enough to be workable. In addition, a citizens’ forum must consist of a diverse group of participants who examine a socially relevant theme on the basis of a specific question. Professional and independent moderation, sufficient budget to support the participants and good information provision are also important. Moreover, it must be clear in advance what will happen with the results of the citizens’ forum. That is why the government believes it is very important that the House and the cabinet make clear agreements about this in advance.