in content lists or on the content page.An open, participatory and deliberative legislative process
What would an open, participatory and deliberative legislative process be like at its best?
What was it about?
The systematic reform of the legislative process promotes the development of structures, procedures and participatory methods in representative democracy.
A discussion-oriented, open and interactive legislative process can improve the quality and coherence of legislation.
Discussion-oriented hearings and sufficient documentation and publication of their results
- facilitate and support political decision-making,
- increase trust in the political system and governance, and
- facilitate and speed up implementation as engagement by participants is encouraged throughout the process.
For the functioning of representative democracy in the form of the decision-making of Parliament and MPs, the public must have sufficient and timely information on the stages and content of the legislative process. This also allows the public to follow the process, comment on it and use various channels to supplement the existing knowledge base, options and assessments.
Stakeholders are consulted at different stages of the legislative process. Promoting consultation throughout the legislative process is important because it provides support for all stages of the process, from political decision-making by the government and Parliament to implementation and post-assessment.
What did we do?
Sitra examined a participatory and discussion-oriented legislative process in the report (summary in English). The aim was to articulate what an open, participatory and discussion-oriented legislative process could be like at best.
The result of this work is a publication that promotes the systematic reform of the legislative process in order to further the development of structures, procedures and the means of participation of representative democracy.
Who was involved?
The report includes interviews with public officials from ministries and Parliament as well as lobbyists from NGOs, among others.
Where are we now?
Work on the topic started in autumn 2022. The report was drawn up by an experienced legislator and legislative counsellor, Jyrki Jauhiainen, in co-operation with Sitra. The report was published in March 2023.
