French Towns Empower Youth with Municipal Councils, Cultivating Future Civic Leaders
A growing number of french municipalities are establishing children’s municipal councils (CMJs), offering young residents a direct voice in local governance and fostering a new generation of engaged citizens. These councils,which began appearing in the late 1970s,are gaining traction as communities recognize their value in shaping policies that impact youth and building a stronger democratic foundation for the future.
The first CMJ was created in Schiltigheim, bas-Rhin, in 1979, and the model has since spread across France. While the exact number remains unknown-a 2021 study by the National Institute of Youth and Popular Education (INJEP) recorded at least 1,458 in 2018, acknowledging this is a minimum due to incomplete survey responses-the trend demonstrates a clear commitment to youth participation. According to Jean-Marc Treuil, ”animation” director of the Anacej, an association supporting municipalities in establishing youth councils, CMJs are not simply advisory bodies. They represent “a formidable opportunity to train citizens who, tomorrow, will be actors of local democratic life.”
These councils provide a platform for young people to express their opinions on issues directly affecting them, such as education, leisure activities, and local infrastructure. Municipalities benefit from gaining valuable insights into the needs and perspectives of their younger constituents,leading to more effective and relevant public policies. The councils typically work by consulting with local officials,proposing initiatives,and participating in the decision-making process.
The rise of CMJs reflects a broader recognition of the importance of civic education and youth engagement in a democratic society. By involving young people in local governance, communities are investing in the future of their democracy and empowering the next generation to become active and responsible citizens. As Treuil notes, this is particularly crucial today, suggesting a growing need for proactive civic development.