Citizens' assemblies can revive France's democracy from the brink

France is currently facing a significant political crisis, marked by a deadlock in governance after President Emmanuel Macron's call for snap elections earlier this year. The composition of a new government led by Prime Minister François Bayrou is set to be announced today, December 23, 2024, following a postponement due to a day of mourning for cyclone victims in Mayotte. This move comes after the unusual coalition of far-left and far-right parties successfully ousted the previous Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, making him the shortest-serving premier in the history of the Fifth Republic. Bayrou aims to build an inclusive cabinet that will secure a no-confidence vote and pass the national budget for the upcoming year. He plans to incorporate members from various political backgrounds while carefully excluding those from the extreme wings of the political spectrum. Amidst ongoing frustration with government performance, there's an urgent need for stability and assurance of functionality within governmental institutions in France. The political environment is tense, characterized by divided public sentiment toward governmental responses to social issues and rising concerns over legitimacy and control. There remains an ongoing belief among citizens that effective representation and governance are becoming increasingly elusive, with nearly 59% expressing dissatisfaction with the current democratic process. As a backdrop to these developments, discussions about electoral reform, such as proportional representation and ranked-choice voting, are gaining traction among the populace, which reflects a desire for more effective participatory governance.