Among the initiatives to renew democracy, which doesn’t always have the citizens’ favor, is the participatory budget. What exactly is it about? Apparently, it’s simple: residents can use part of the investment budget to create projects for the city.
The idea has caught on, and some cities (Paris, Grenoble, Metz, and Rennes) have already implemented it, by handing over a portion of the investment budget to their residents. Some smaller cities have also embarked on the venture.
In the capital, the initiative – launched 3 years ago – represents 5% of the city’s investment budget, amounting to nearly half a billion euros up until 2020. With this fund, residents propose projects for the city on a dedicated website, and these are subjected to a vote.
The rules are simple: the proposals must fall within the framework of investment for the city, be of general interest, and not include excessive operating expenses. The projects with the most votes succeed, within the budgetary limits.
The concept is engaging and appeals to young people. There has been an impressive relay on social networks.
Young people have greatly helped this project bloom in terms of communication, even though the initiative still needs improvement: the participation rate does not exceed 3%.
Insufficient, of course, but when you see the result of some public surveys that do not exceed a few hundred votes for important issues such as neighborhood renewal…
For instance, in Nice, the consultative referendum on the sale of airport services, promoted by the municipality with extensive and costly propaganda, was only voted on by 18% of the registered voters!
Ultimately, let’s not forget that some politicians want to retain all their power. It has long been known that clientalism is preferable to participation.
