Refoundation Process - Parti socialiste

I have been appointed as the lead for the partcipatory process of the refoundation " sans-tabou" of the Belgian Socialist Party (PS). This is an incredibly ambitious initiative, designed not only to redefine the party’s vision and direction but also to set a new standard for how political organizations can engage with citizens in shaping their future. Over the next two years, we will embark on a participatory journey to rethink the PS.

A groundbreaking approach to political renewal

The refoundation process is unique in its scale and ambition. Rather than a top-down reform, it will be a deeply inclusive project, bringing together both party members and non-members to collectively shape the future of the PS. Our goal is to reconnect with citizens, understand their expectations, and build a party that is truly representative of the people it serves.

The key phases of the process

1. Diagnostic Phase – understanding the challenges

The journey begins with a large-scale diagnostic phase, set to launch on March 22. Over fifty decentralized events will take place across French-speaking Belgium, providing an opportunity to reflect on past electoral setbacks and engage directly with citizens. These events will serve as a listening exercise, helping us identify key themes that will guide the refoundation.

2. Citizen Panels

At the heart of this process will be five deliberative citizen panels, composed of randomly selected participants. These panels, running between October 2025 and October 2026, will delve into the key themes identified during the diagnostic phase. They represent a pioneering effort in participatory democracy, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to the party’s renewal.

3. Implementation and transformation

Following the citizen panels, the final stage will be the integration of their recommendations into the party’s structures and policies. This will not be a mere symbolic exercise but a true transformation, where grassroots input leads to concrete changes. The ultimate goal is to create a party that is not only more inclusive and responsive but also a model for democratic engagement in the 21st century.

A model for political engagement

This refoundation process is more than just a reform; it is a bold experiment in participatory democracy. By involving citizens in shaping the future of the PS, we hope to inspire other political movements to rethink their engagement strategies. The success of this initiative will depend on the collective energy and ideas of everyone involved.

I am excited to take on this challenge and work alongside so many committed individuals to redefine what a modern, citizen-driven political party can be. I look forward to seeing this process unfold and to engaging with as many of you as possible along the way.

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