More participation? : Lessons from 75 political programs in the municipal elections of 2020

Abstract 0

The “Participometer” measures the credibility of electoral promises regarding local democracy. In this article, we evaluate 75 programs in 14 major French cities, and present the main lessons learned. First of all, the level of issue ownership is today clearly situated on the left-right scale, with the left being much more active in promoting democratic reforms. In some cities, such as Rennes, this issue is well developed in the election campaign, while in others, such as Strasbourg, it is in its infancy. We also found that the lists supported by the Socialist Party best represent the attention paid to the democratic issue in a city. However, the lists associated with Europe Ecologie les Verts and France Insoumise have also given it a prominent place. Finally, talking about this issue seems to allow the parties of the left to gain votes, while the parties of the right do not benefit from a program focused on these issues.