The Future of Civic Engagement: A Call for Permanent Funding for ManaBalss.lv
The digital platform ManaBalss.lv, a cornerstone of civic engagement in Latvia, is facing an existential crisis. With a rich history of empowering citizens to influence political processes, the platform is now at a critical juncture. The team behind ManaBalss.lv is urging the parliament to establish a sustainable funding mechanism, ensuring the platform's longevity and continued impact.
In a recent statement, ManaBalss.lv representatives emphasized the platform's importance, stating, 'An initiative has been launched to secure permanent funding, and your support is crucial. Sign the petition here: https://manabalss.lv/i/3815.'
For nearly 15 years, ManaBalss.lv has been a vital tool for citizens to voice their concerns and shape the legislative agenda. However, the platform's survival is now in jeopardy. While donations have provided some relief, they are insufficient to guarantee the platform's long-term existence.
The ManaBalss.lv team proposes a unique solution: treating the platform as a public service, akin to public service media, while maintaining operational and editorial independence. This approach would ensure a secure and reliable system for citizen engagement, independent evaluation of initiatives, and equal access for all. By doing so, it would empower citizens to actively participate in political processes beyond election periods, strengthening the foundations of digital democracy and keeping Latvia at the forefront of democratic innovation.
Imants Breidaks, CEO of the organization, paints a stark picture of the consequences without ManaBalss.lv. He states, 'Without ManaBalss.lv, the only avenue for citizens to influence political processes would be the Saeima elections, held every four years. The Saeima's agenda would no longer be shaped by the voices of the people in their daily lives.' This highlights the platform's pivotal role in fostering an active and engaged citizenry.
The platform's recent focus on the Istanbul Convention withdrawal initiative underscores its impact. With over 100,000 signatures collected across multiple initiatives, the platform has become a powerful tool for public opinion. An initiative urging the President not to sign the law on Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention garnered an impressive 64,750 signatures, marking a significant milestone in the platform's history.
Breidaks reveals that the platform relies on the generosity of tens of thousands of Latvian citizens, who contribute approximately 5% of the population annually. The total donations amount to a substantial 100-140 thousand euros. Historically, donations have grown by around 30% annually until the pandemic disrupted this trend. In recent years, a significant drop of 35% has been observed, indicating a pressing need for sustainable funding.
The CEO emphasizes the importance of micro-donations in maintaining the platform's independence, enabling it to focus on critical issues. However, he acknowledges that donations alone are insufficient. For the past seven years, ManaBalss.lv has been negotiating with politicians for permanent public funding to ensure stable operations. Despite promises, such as €1.7 million and €500,000 from the state, these funds have never materialized.
Breidaks clarifies that the platform requires a modest annual budget of 300-400 thousand euros to maintain its operations. This funding would enable the platform to function stably and effectively, addressing the concerns raised by the public.
In conclusion, the ManaBalss.lv team's initiative to secure permanent funding is a call to action for the parliament and the Latvian people. By supporting this effort, Latvia can ensure the continued growth of digital democracy and maintain its reputation as a global leader in democratic innovation.
