The Great National Debate will take place over a period of 2 months.
The Government has provided a range of tools for citizens who wish to take part in the Great National Debate. These tools are numerous, practical, and accessible:
a) The Great National Debate will initially unfold through local initiative meetings. These meetings will allow everyone to debate during public meetings, to be heard, and to convince others.
b) Starting January 21, French citizens’ contributions can be directly submitted on the website www.granddebat.fr or sent by postal mail (Grand Debate Mission – 244, bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris).
c) Local stands will be set up in everyday locations. They will enable those who wish to give their opinion on the topics under debate.
A toll-free number for Metropolitan France 0 800 97 11 11 and 01 82 71 03 39 for Overseas will complement the launch of the digital platform.
d) From March 1, regional Citizens’ Conferences will be organized, involving randomly selected French citizens in each region along with representatives of various stakeholders. They will be able to participate in developing concrete proposals, express their views on the insights from the first weeks of the Great National Debate, and thus contribute to the reflection on the next steps.
Who can organize and participate in the Great National Debate?
Citizens, elected officials and institutions, for-profit or non-profit organizations: the Government hopes that the largest number will participate in and organize debates.
Who coordinates the Great National Debate?
This great debate is a priority for the Government. To oversee its facilitation, two ministers have been specifically appointed by the Prime Minister: Sébastien LECORNU and Emmanuelle WARGON will be responsible for keeping the debate alive, monitoring its progress, and organizing everyone’s mobilization to make this great debate a democratic success.
What guarantees are provided in terms of impartiality?
To ensure the independence of the great debate, a board of guarantors will be appointed. Independent from the Government and recognized for their commitment to the public interest, they will ensure the impartiality and transparency of the initiative.
This board of guarantors will be composed of five members – two appointed by the Government and three appointed respectively by the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, and the President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council.
The Government will take into account all opinions and proposals expressed, in compliance with the method and rules of the Great National Debate, according to the principles of transparency, pluralism and inclusion, neutrality, equality, and respect for everyone’s voice.
