We Need to talk - party funding Citizens' assembly in Belgium
- jonmoskovic
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
Design-Strategy
We Need to Talk was an ambitious and innovative citizens’ assembly project in 2024
spearheaded by a consortium of organizations, led by G1000. This initiative brought together a diverse group of citizens to deliberate on the crucial topic of party funding and its implications for democratic integrity and transparency. A unique aspect of this process was the direct involvement of all political party leaders, ensuring that the assembly’s outcomes were closely tied to actionable change.
I had the privilege of contributing to the design and strategy of this project in its initial stages, focusing on creating a robust framework to ensure inclusive deliberations.
Objectives
The primary aim of We Need to Talk was to foster meaningful dialogue among citizens on the often contentious issue of party financing. By prioritizing inclusivity, diversity, and structured deliberation, the project sought to generate actionable insights and solutions that reflect the collective intelligence of society while engaging political leaders in the process.
Methodology
Participant Selection:
Citizens were randomly selected using stratified sampling to ensure a representative mix of demographics, including age, gender, geographic location, and socioeconomic background.
Preparatory Strategy:
The design phase included identifying key thematic areas, crafting an accessible information package, and setting up a neutral facilitation process led by Glassroots to guide discussions on the complex subject of party financing.
Expert Input:
Participants were provided with balanced and evidence-based insights from experts in political finance, democracy advocates, and academics to inform their deliberations.
Deliberative Sessions:
Structured small-group discussions allowed for a deep dive into the topics, while plenary sessions facilitated consensus-building and the articulation of recommendations.
Engagement with Party Leaders:
Party leaders actively participated in discussions at key stages, providing their perspectives while also committing to consider the assembly’s recommendations.
Transparency and Neutrality:
Throughout the process, the consortium ensured that all steps were transparent and free from political or organizational bias.
Results
The assembly culminated in a set of actionable recommendations aimed at increasing transparency, fairness, and accountability in party financing. These outcomes were formally presented to policymakers and all party leaders, highlighting the assembly’s unique contribution to democratic reform.
Impact
We Need to Talk not only provided tangible policy recommendations but also demonstrated the power of deliberative democracy in addressing politically sensitive issues. By directly involving party leaders, the process bridged the gap between citizens and political institutions, fostering trust and collaboration. Unfortunately, the political will to implement these changes was hampered by resistance from certain political parties, and as a result, the recommendations did not lead to tangible reforms. This highlights the ongoing challenges of translating citizens' deliberative input into concrete policy changes, particularly on sensitive and divisive issues such as party financing.
