Greens want to increase citizen participation in politics

The Greens in the Saxon state parliament want to improve citizen participation in projects in the state and local authorities. The "Public Participation Act" is intended to create a legal basis for participation, particularly through citizens' councils, the Green opposition in parliament announced. Co-determination would ensure more trust and greater acceptance.

In the opinion of the Greens, politics can only work together

"Politics can only work together. We need this sign, especially in times when political processes are perceived as increasingly complex and difficult to understand," explained MP Katja Meier. Citizens' councils in particular are an effective instrument for involving people directly in political decision-making processes and allowing them to participate in shaping the country.

Meier had already campaigned in the last legislative period as Minister for Justice, Democracy, Europe and Equality and launched a funding guideline for citizen participation. This enabled municipalities and civil society organizations to apply for financial support for participation formats. The new law is intended to consolidate the formats that have been created and provide legal certainty.

Random selection of participants should apply to citizens' councils

"By creating uniform standards, we are eliminating the need for costly individual regulations for the state and municipalities. This will make citizens' councils possible everywhere in Saxony without any problems," emphasized Meier. A fair and inclusive random selection process is needed for the citizens' councils. The participants should be drawn at random so that everyone has their say and not just the "loudest", they said.

"Diversity at the table: old and young, women and men, academics, workers, apprentices, urban and rural dwellers - the law ensures a genuine cross-section of the population," said the Green parliamentary group, describing a further advantage. People who are able to help shape the law feel that they are taken seriously and have less of a feeling of being left out or having to accept decisions. "This reduces frustration and rejection."