> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Minors, Non-Voters Gain Right to Participate in Catalonia's Policies - URL: https://barna.news/minors-non-voters-gain-right-to/ - Published: 2026-10-22T07:32:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T07:32:42.000Z - Description: A new law passed by the Catalan Parliament allows minors and non-voting residents to contribute to public policy decisions. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: politics, Catalonia ## Law Establishes Universal Right to Participate The Catalan Parliament has approved the first stage of a new Citizen Participation Law, granting minors and non-voting residents the right to contribute to public policy development. The bill, promoted by the Government of Catalonia and presented by Minister of the Presidency Albert Dalmau, passed without opposition and amendments during its initial parliamentary review on Wednesday 21st October 2026\. Under this legislation, participation in public consultations will no longer be limited to eligible voters. Any individual, including children and foreign residents without voting rights, will have the right to express opinions and submit proposals on policies affecting them. A 14-year-old, for example, may now formally participate in a debate on youth services or education reform. ## Right to Propose and Receive a Response Participants will be entitled to clear information, the ability to propose changes, and a mandatory reasoned response from the relevant administration. While the outcomes of participatory processes will not be legally binding, public bodies must evaluate all contributions and publicly justify which suggestions are adopted, modified, or rejected. > Strengthening dialogue is essential to rebuild trust in institutions, said Dalmau during the plenary session, highlighting the law’s role in deepening democratic engagement beyond election cycles. ## Financial Compensation and Inclusion Measures To ensure equitable participation, the law allows for financial compensation in certain cases where individuals dedicate significant time to deliberative processes. This measure aims to support those with caregiving responsibilities or limited resources. Additional provisions include reimbursement for transport, childcare support, and digital or physical accessibility aids. Participation can occur through digital platforms using free software, open calls, or random selection via lottery. Each major policy process will also establish a steering group comprising key social and institutional stakeholders. ## Local Flexibility and Oversight The law acts as a framework for all levels of government in Catalonia, respecting municipal autonomy. Rural municipalities will be required only to follow the general principles, with implementation adjusted to their size and resources. The Generalitat de Catalunya will provide technical and material support to local authorities to ensure effective rollout. Citizens who believe their rights have been violated may file claims directly with the administering body. The Síndic de Greuges (Ombudsman) will monitor compliance and issue biennial reports to Parliament. --- ### Rooted in Public Input The drafting of the law itself followed participatory principles, incorporating over 300 contributions from civil society organisations, municipal representatives, and the public, around two-thirds of which were included in the final text. The legislation will now proceed to committee for detailed discussion before final approval. --- *Reported by catalunyapress.es, capitolab.es, elperiodico.com, CatalunyaPress.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Carlos Prieto resigns as Spain's delegate in Catalonia](https://barna.news/carlos-prieto-resigns-as-spain-s/) - [Updated: Catalonia to liberalise car inspections](https://barna.news/catalonia-to-liberalise-car-inspections/) - [Updated: Catalan minimum wage bill set to fail in Parliament](https://barna.news/catalan-minimum-wage-bill-set-to-fail/) - [Barcelona mulls Catalan classes over fines](https://barna.news/barcelona-mulls-catalan-classes-over/)