Responses to consultations are not just a political formality; they are an essential part of the democratic decision-making process.
In the complex intersection where politics meets civil society, the formulation of laws by the Inatsisartut is not solely the responsibility of Naalakkersuisut, but a collective responsibility. Naalakkersuisut sends draft laws for consultation to involve the public, including citizens, businesses, researchers, NGOs, institutions, and other stakeholders, to gather different forms of knowledge. This process is crucial to achieve balanced legislation that serves the best interests of society.
But what happens when Naalakkersuisut gives the impression that consultation responses are seen as a threat rather than a valuable contribution?
The process surrounding the development of the new fishing law clearly illustrates this challenge. On the surface, Naalakkersuisut’s efforts to seek public opinion on the proposal for the fishing law suggest they are aiming to create an inclusive and well-considered set of regulations. A draft fisheries law was prepared, and a consultation was initiated.
However, it seems that consultation responses are met with suspicion, undermining the purpose of the consultation process. The question that arises is: Why are consultation responses to the fishing law seemingly considered less significant and sometimes as a conspiracy against Naalakkersuisut rather than the valuable input they are intended to be?
When the draft of the new fishing law was finally put out for consultation, there was a huge response from the public, clearly indicating the importance of the issue. But when Naalakkersuisut disregards the consultation responses, we must ask ourselves why they asked for stakeholders’ opinions in the first place.
Businesses, experts, and civil society are speaking with a voice of concern, but it seems that these warnings are falling on deaf ears at Naalakkersuisut. These consultation responses are not only critical but also offer constructive suggestions for more sustainable legislation – for both the environment and society as a whole.
Consultation responses are not just formal submissions; they are the substance where legislation is shaped and refined. The consultation process is not just a formality; it is designed to ensure that Naalakkersuisut has access to expertise and diverse perspectives to avoid errors in legislation.
A consultation response is not a targeted attack on Naalakkersuisut, but rather an honest communication with both praise and constructive criticism.
Naalakkersuisut has the unconditional right to disregard these inputs, but the question is: Is it wise?
Consultation responses to the proposal for the fishing law are an essential part of the democratic process, where the public is involved in shaping legislation. It is crucial that Naalakkersuisut sees consultation responses as valuable contributions to the development of balanced legislation that serves the best interests of society. Ignoring consultation responses can undermine the purpose of the consultation process and result in flawed laws. Therefore, it is important that Naalakkersuisut takes consultation responses seriously and carefully considers them in shaping the new fishing law.
For further information, contact:
Jenseraq Poulsen – mobile: +299 48 34 67 – Jenseeraq@oceansnorth.gl
