One year after the conclusion of the citizen convention on end-of-life issues on April 3, 2023, Emmanuel Macron reflected on the lessons learned on April 26, 2024. He praised the participants for their contribution to democratic innovation and announced plans for a third convention to be launched before the end of the year, with the goal of reaching a conclusion by the end of his term. The specific theme for this new convention will be determined in the coming months. Macron highlighted the French model for end-of-life care, focusing on the development of palliative care and a proposed law on patient support and end-of-life care that includes provisions for assisted dying.
The exchange between Macron and 137 of the 184 former participants lasted for an hour at the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council. The participants’ work over nine sessions spanning more than three months was commended for paving the way for the “French model for end of life.” Macron emphasized that the convention was not simply a survey, but a citizen-led effort to engage in informed debate and decision-making in a transparent and organized framework. He acknowledged that the results of their discussions reflected a well-informed opinion that challenged the government to justify any decisions that deviate from their recommendations.
Some members of the convention expressed concerns about the potential manipulation of their participation and whether the convention served as a democratic cover for reforms already planned by Macron. The hypothetical scenario of a majority of convention members being against assisted dying raised questions about how the government would have responded. Macron clarified that if a strong opposition had emerged against changes to the existing law on end-of-life care, he would not have pursued the reforms that he initiated. This exchange highlighted the importance of the convention’s role in shaping policy decisions and holding the government accountable for its actions.
The successful outcomes of the citizen convention on end-of-life care have raised questions about the effectiveness of such participatory democracy initiatives in influencing policy-making and ensuring government accountability. The convention served as a platform for citizens to engage in meaningful dialogue, informed by expert knowledge and diverse perspectives, to address complex and sensitive issues such as end-of-life care. By involving citizens in the decision-making process, Macron sought to enhance democratic legitimacy and foster a more inclusive approach to policymaking in France.
Overall, Macron’s engagement with the participants of the citizen convention on end-of-life care reflects his commitment to democratic innovation and citizen empowerment in the policy-making process. By acknowledging the contributions of the participants and valuing their informed opinions, Macron demonstrated a willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints and incorporate citizen input into decision-making. The launch of a new convention and plans for further citizen engagement underscore Macron’s dedication to promoting democracy and including citizen voices in shaping policies related to sensitive and complex issues such as end-of-life care.
