Borgerversamlinger

Borgerversamlinger, or citizens' assemblies, are deliberative bodies composed of randomly selected citizens who meet to discuss public issues and produce non-binding recommendations for government or municipal authorities. They are a form of deliberative democracy designed to complement elections and public opinion surveys by enabling inclusive, reasoned discussion among a diverse group of participants and by providing access to expert information.

Participants are typically recruited by sortition to reflect the demographic makeup of the larger population, with considerations for age, gender, region, and occupational background. The process is usually time-limited and structured, with independent moderators guiding deliberations and short briefings from expert witnesses. The assembly evaluates evidence, weighs trade-offs, and, at its conclusion, issues a report outlining conclusions and policy options, sometimes including concrete recommendations for legislation, regulation, or budgeting. Proceedings are often published, and the recommendations may be submitted to elected bodies for consideration.

Applications occur at national or local levels and cover topics such as constitutional questions, climate and environmental policy, urban planning, or public budgeting. Ireland's Citizens' Assembly is among the best-known examples; similar approaches have been tried or proposed in other countries and in some cities as a way to broaden public participation and improve the quality of policy decisions. Proponents argue that borgerversamlinger enhance legitimacy, trust, and long-term thinking, while critics point to costs, potential sampling limitations, and the non-binding nature of recommendations, which can limit political impact.