Do you have a project in Rouen? Collect 1500 signatures and file the city council!
By Adrian Filoche
Published on
updated on 26 Sep 22 at 20:54
In a desire to strengthen the dialogue between the inhabitants of Rouen (Seine Maritime) and their elected officials, the municipality is relying on a brand new tool: the right of local citizens’ initiative (ICL). This system allows any Rouen citizen or group of citizens to “propose the study of a question or a project concerning the municipality of Rouen”as can be read in the deliberation voted during the municipal council of September 26, 2022.
How does this new citizen right work?
First, the ICL must relate to a problem or a project that falls within the competence of the Rouen municipal council. “It must clearly specify its purpose, the position defended by the applicant and the raison d’être of the ICL”, specifies the City.
To be accepted, the proposal must:
- provide a number of supporters equal to at least 1,500 signatures;
- be supported by inhabitants of Rouen aged at least 16, not elected, having affixed their name, first name, address and proof of residence, means of contact (telephone number or email), and an authorization to use their personal data for verification ;
- concerns a relevant area of the City’s competences as defined by law;
- raise a matter where the signatories believe that action by the municipal council is necessary;
- accepting the framework of the law and not presenting an insulting or defamatory character.
A tool for “challenging elected officials”
This tool “gives the Rouennais the possibility of questioning the elected officials”, specifies Laura Slimani, deputy in charge of local and participatory democracy. “Even if we take the risk of disagreeing, it’s always better to be in dialogue,” she insists.
In order to be studied, the ICL must be posted on the citizen participation platform ” Rouencitoyenne.fr “. It is also possible to file a paper version at the town hall. The applicant has three months, from the date of publication of the proposal on the citizen platform, to delete the 1,500 signatures. It is now up to the people of Rouen to seize this new democratic tool.
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