Participatory budgeting in France

An analysis of France’s participatory budgeting models, expansion, and political dynamics since 2014.

This article outlines the development of participatory budgeting (PB) in France since 2014, analyzing its causes, models, and limitations. The dominant "horizontal model" enables wide citizen inclusion, supported by digital tools, and allows non-elected residents—including youth and foreigners—to directly influence public investment decisions. The piece highlights examples like Paris, which allocates 5% of its investment budget through PB, and contrasts them with smaller or rural cases. While political commitment, digital infrastructure, and clear procedures are emphasized as key success factors, the article also addresses critiques about limited transformative impact. Nonetheless, PB is seen as a civic learning tool that can foster trust, transparency, and administrative change. Proposals for a national PB model are also discussed.

Source: Revue Gestion & Finances Publiques (GFP)
Author information: Yves Broussolle
Language: French

Year of publication: 2019