Quand une république s’expose au regard de citoyens-évaluateurs

Abstract

In 1995, the Canton of Geneva inaugurated an External Public Policy Evaluation Commission, a unique body in Switzerland. Both powers, Parliament and Government, share an independent body to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of public intervention. This committee, composed of 16 citizen-evaluators, can choose its subjects and focus and has the ability to contribute some unexpected critical elements. Since its establishment 11 years ago, 19 evaluation reports have been published. They describe effects on target groups and beneficiaries. The themes covered are important and diverse: housing, social security benefits, unemployment, tax systems, public transport, and the like. Recommendations have been followed by the Government fairly closely.