"Strengthening trust in the democratic process"

Zeit Stiftung Bucericus / David Ausserhofer

In an appeal to the German federal government, the Initiative für einen handlungsfähigen Staat (Initiative for an Effective State) calls for the increased use of citizens' assemblies. More

31 ideas for Westschnellweg

NLStBV / Franz Bischof

On 8 July 2025, a Citizens' Jury submitted its recommendations for the redevelopment of the Westschnellweg in Hanover to the Lower Saxony State Authority for Road Construction and Transport (NLStBV) and the Lower Saxony Ministry of Transport. More

Citizens' forum on non-smoker protection

fotoART by Thommy Weiss / pixelio.de

Since 5 July 2025, around 50 randomly selected citizens have been discussing non-smoker protection in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The aim is to prepare an amendment to state law. More 

Citizens' debate: Property entails responsibility!

Robert Boden / Mehr Demokratie

After two weekends of intensive discussions, 40 randomly selected citizens from all over Germany presented their recommendations for a fairer tax and fiscal policy in Erfurt on 29 June 2025. More

Making media fit for the future

Joujou / pixelio.de

The media are in a state of upheaval due to the internet. Polarisation and disinformation are consequences of this.  In the German state of Baden-Württemberg, a Citizens' Forum has therefore been developing proposals for a sustainable media landscape since 28 June 2025. More

Making citizens' assemblies permanent

Bürgerrat Bildung und Lernen

What is the current state of the debate on citizens‘ assemblies in Germany? The Verfassungsblog collects articles on the form and structure, functions and constitutional basis of randomly selected mini-publics. More

Citizens' assembly on school times in France

cese

Since 20 June 2025, a citizens' assembly in France has been deliberating on how long the French school year and school day should be - and whether the summer holidays should be shortened. More

Seven goals for better mobility in Cologne

C. Ehrchen

How do we want to move around our neighbourhood? What contributes to our sense of well-being? Cologne's first citizens' assembly developed seven goals and more than 100 ideas to answer these questions. On 16 June 2025, the final report of the mini-public was published. More

More News

Read more interesting facts and stories about citizens' assemblies in Germany and around the world in our news column.