“Speak the way you always talk” – this is what Bundestag President Bas called on the new Citizens’ Assembly on the topic of nutrition. The 160 members have five months to develop proposals.
Four months after the draw in the Bundestag, the first citizens’ assembly approved by the Bundestag opened in Berlin. The committee deals with the topic of nutrition, has 160 members and meets on Saturday and Sunday. A total of three weekend meetings and six digital sessions are planned. The committee is expected to submit a recommendation paper by February 29th. The title: “Nutrition in transition: between private matters and state tasks”.
The task of the citizens’ assembly should be to take a look at the changes in nutrition that are already taking place and to bring the citizens’ perspective into the political debate. The aim is to give the Bundestag an idea of what measures are desired for a healthier and more sustainable diet – and what contributions people are willing to make to achieve this.
“Let those who otherwise don’t speak up have their say”
Bas encouraged the participants to have open discussions. “Say what you think. And talk the way you always talk. That’s exactly what the Citizens’ Assembly is there for,” said the SPD politician at the opening event. “People who would otherwise not speak up or express their opinions loudly should also have their say here.” Bas assured: “We will look at your suggestions very seriously.” It is clear that in the end it is the Bundestag’s decision as to what will be adopted.
The Council’s report will bundle nine recommendations. Voting should take place with a majority, but minority positions should also be visible. The flat rate fee is 100 euros per face-to-face meeting day and 50 euros per digital session. A scientific advisory board will provide technical support.
Foodwatch criticized Non-binding
The focus is on labels relating to environmental compatibility and animal welfare standards, the tax framework or food waste. The Bundestag decided to set up the council in May. Participants were randomly selected.
The SPD, Greens and FDP had… Coalition agreement announced that it wanted to use “new forms of citizen dialogue” such as citizens’ councils without giving up the principle of representation. The Bundestag decided to set up the committee in May, and in addition to the traffic light parties, the Left Party also voted for it.
The consumer advice centers support the concept of allowing citizens to discuss proposed solutions to social issues. This is important for a successful transformation process in the agriculture and food industry.
The consumer organization Foodwatch complained that the council suffered from the fact that it was only allowed to make non-binding suggestions. The “citizen report” should not disappear into the drawer. At least one discussion in the plenary session is scheduled.