More competent thus more legitimate? MPs’ discourses on deliberative mini-publics

MPs face a dilemma when it comes to deliberative mini-publics (DMPs): in context of distrust, they may see as an opportunity re-legitimize themselves and solve complex policy issues. But could also challenge the quasi-monopoly used have on political decisions undermine role Parliament primacy elections. The article is found 91 face-to-face interviews with French-speaking Belgian sitting federal or regional parliaments. First, we describe profile supporters DMPs. We then identify three ideal–typical discourses: power-sharing discourse, consultative elitist discourse. contribution this twofold. analyzes argumentative frames by assess using large number interviews. Second, demonstrates that their discourses depend evaluation ordinary citizens’ competence participate resulting vision representation. Political actors mainly perceive DMPs instruments would alter elected position legitimacy election.