Whether at the international level (Aarhus Convention) or with regard to diverse French national regulations (on the environment, town planning, local authorities, etc.), direct involvement of citizens in the democratic process is presently a well-established procedure. Indeed, a review of the last few years shows public participation as an exponentially growing dynamic. This interview with Joana Janiw, Head of the Culture of Public Participation Unit at the General Commission for Sustainable Development at the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Solidarity, takes stock of recent progress on the subject in the environmental sector in France.