The Big Bang is a programme based on 4 participatory tools that allow everyone to act to co-create the future of the city of Carpentras, France. It is an opportunity for Carpentras residents to actively participate in the city's civic life. The objectives of the project are essentially based on three axes. Any citizen of the city of Carpentras, to whom, according to the Mayor of the city, the power belongs fully. This project foresees four new actions to build together the city of tomorrow.
The Citizens Initiative Referendum : this is basically not provided for by French law, but which can be desired by the municipality. It is possible to file a citizen petition on subjects related to the competences of the municipality , on the dedicated platform. The citizen's amendment : propose a modification to the draft deliberations presented during the Municipal Councils. Two weeks before each Municipal Council, the summary note is published on the City's website.
If citizens wish to propose a modification, they can do so via the dedicated online platform. The draft amendment is then put to the vote of the citizens and they will have until 48 working hours before the meeting to vote. Like the amendments tabled by elected representatives, it can be adopted, rejected or referred back to committee.
The Citizens' Convention : this is an initiative that makes possible to set up a representative panel of the town's inhabitants, made up of 35 people drawn at random, under the supervision of a bailiff, taking into account the criteria of representativeness residence, age, sex, etc. The members of the Citizens' Convention are selected for a period of one year starting in April Their role consists, among other things, of informing the City of the needs of citizens, selecting projects for the participatory budget and taking note of the draft resolutions submitted to the City Council.
The citizens' convention takes note of the draft resolutions submitted to the City Council and can question the mayors if necessary. It contributes to the development and evaluation of participatory democracy actions. It ensures that the participatory budget runs smoothly and that its rules are respected.
