France's CESE to launch citizen convention on public finances

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) has announced the launch of a new citizen convention focused on public finances. Scheduled for autumn 2026, this initiative marks the first time the CESE has engaged in such a process through its own self-referral, rather than via a mandate from the government or Parliament.

Approximately 150 citizens will be selected by lottery to ensure a representative cross-section of the French population. Over a period of three to four months, participants will undergo training, consult with experts, and engage in debates to address the central question: ‘How can we regain control of our public finances and reduce the deficit?’

The process will consist of seven working sessions designed to help citizens understand complex budgetary mechanisms, including debt evolution, mandatory levies, and public spending. While the resulting proposals and collective trajectories will not be legally binding for future policymakers, the project aims to provide a democratic space for deliberating on societal choices regarding public services, social policies, and territorial support.