Participation and democratic legitimacy under a carbon tax: a comparative analysis of Ireland and South Africa

This article uses Political Opportunity Structures (POS) theory to examine how models of citizen participation are politically shaped and how they influence public acceptance and legitimacy of carbon tax policies. While the relationship between distributive impacts, revenue recycling, and public support for carbon pricing is well researched, the role of participation in shaping acceptance under a carbon tax remains underexplored. Research applying POS theory to climate policy is also still emerging. To address these gaps, I conducted 42 semi-structured interviews with key informants to investigate how the carbon tax consultation processes in Ireland and South Africa influenced public acceptance. Findings show that a deliberative process in Ireland fostered higher public support and legitimacy, while South Africa’s top-down, expert led consultation overcame political resistance but may contribute to ongoing public opposition.I conclude that participation is not just a normative good but a politically contingent tool for constructing legitimacy, shaped by institutional contexts and political windows of opportunity. While deliberative models can improve acceptance of contentious policies, I argue that participation must be carefully designed to reflect historical legacies, power asymmetries, and the capacity of state and civil society to support meaningful dialogue. If designed in a contextually sensitive way, inclusive participation can strengthen the legitimacy and durability of carbon taxes. This research contributes to emerging literature on public participation, POS theory, and climate policy design, offering insights for policymakers to build more legitimate and inclusive climate strategies that navigate the complex interplay between political institutions, public engagement, and policy implementation.