A striking observation: the group of experts who compiled the responses qualifies the results of this consultation as “not representative” of the opinion of Belgians.
This was not the goal, explain the ministers Annelies Verlinden and David Clarinval, both competent in matters of institutional reform. “Thanks to the wide range of visions and recommendations of the participants, this report (…) allows us to continue the debate on democratic renewal and institutional reforms”, underline the ministers in a press release.
The questions were divided into six main themes, namely: the role of the citizen, fundamental rights, the organization of our country, the distribution of powers between the different authorities, the functioning of parliament and the government and the organization of elections. . A conclusion follows for each theme, although it often remains vague and there is no general conclusion.
That was not the intention either, the ministers’ statement continued. “The ideas of the dialogue platform can serve as inspiration within the federal parliament and the federal government for political dialogue concerning the preparation of future state reform and for reflection on reforms concerning, for example , electoral legislation, faster government formations, party financing or citizen participation in the political decision-making process. »
The main criticism formulated against the citizen survey is that the results are not representative, for two reasons. The first is that it was an online survey from which some people found themselves excluded due to the digital divide. Second, the existence of many open questions which mainly concerned informed and politically active citizens, writes the Scientific Committee in a text accompanying the report.
The N-VA denounced by the voice of the deputy Sander Loones “a rough course” and a “scandalously” low number of participants for an investigation which cost 2.1 million euros.
The results of the consultation were presented to the House on Thursday.