The opinion of Belgian government communication professionals on public communication about policy intentions: Pros/cons and conditions

This article examines the opinion of Belgian government communication professionals regarding the controversial governmental communication about policy not yet adopted by the competent authority (i.e. the legislature) (CNAP). Based on a semi-structured, face-to-face survey among thirty-two Belgian Federal and Flemish spokesmen, we gain insight into the conditions which governmental CNAP is allowed according to these practitioners. We also gain insight into their general opinion on CNAP as well as into their arguments for and against this kind of government communication. The most important pro-CNAP belief is that it keeps citizens from being presented with a fait accompli. The most important argument against CNAP is that it creates false expectations among citizens.