Public consultations, in theory, aim to bridge the gap between the governed and the governing. In practice, as I discussed in my talk at 38th Chaos Communication Congress, they don’t always succeed in this aim.
Consultations in films are sometimes a tragicomedy. In Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s film Evil Does Not Exist, we see this play out. A couple of representatives from a talent agency turn up at a village to “consult” with the locals about establishing a tourist glamping site in their village. Although this is a consultation, the decisions have already been made in Tokyo. The villagers raise numerous objections to the proposal: risk of water pollution, safety risks, and forest fires. They are told that their input will be considered. Not by the two representatives, who have no decision making power, but by their boss in Tokyo.
As more objections pour in from the villagers, the representatives deflect the arguments. They are from a talent agency and have already consulted glamping experts. While villagers engage sincerely, the talent agency is disingenuous. One villager sees through them; this consultation “is just to make you [talent agency] look good on paper”.
After being steamrolled, the representatives return to Tokyo and, to their surprise, their boss deems the “consultation” a success. Why? Because the two main intended purposes were achieved. “One is to show authorities that you are communicating with the locals. The other is giving locals a chance to vent.” As one of the villagers realised while venting, “it is like talking to a wall.” Nothing will change as a result of the consultation.
That’s film. Unlike the film, somethings do change when you respond to the European Commission’s consultations. But for the consultations to be a success, the public participation needs to increase.