If participation is limited, does that not take away legitimacy from the process?

It is definitely a risk. Therefore, one of the most important goals is that the PB process gain legitimacy in the eyes of the majority of citizens, including those that do not participate. This legitimacy is achieved through a strong communication effort from the municipality so that everyone feels invited to participate and so that they have access to the main financial information and the decisions made in the Participatory Budget.

Other appropriate instruments are public opinion polls which can serve to verify thelevel of recognition of the process and its legitimacy among the general public, as well as referendums, which allow for the voting approval of certain particularly
sensitive decisions. Another important goal is that the participation, although quantitatively limited, includes citizens from all social groups and does not leave anyone marginalised from the process. For this reason, special attention should be paid to the inclusion of women, youth, the poor and vulnerable, and groups who face discrimination (ethnic minorities, immigrants, sexual minorities etc.).