Original scientific paper

New Developments in Local Democracy in Croatia

Ivan Koprić orcid.org/0000-0002-9086-6937 ; Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb
Mirko Klarić ; Faculty of Law, University of Split

Abstract

The paper analyses traditional and new forms of citizen participation at the local level. The traditional forms of citizen participation are referendum, citizens’ initiative, deliberative assemblies, sub-municipal governance, and occasional consultative meetings. The main new forms are introduction of the direct election of mayors and recall referendum, strengthening the role of local mayors, and independent actors in local politics. Special attention is devoted to comparative
situation with sub-municipal governments. Five modes of fostering local democracy in Croatia are analysed: minority representation, classic forms of direct democracy, direct election of mayors and recall procedure, youth councils, and independent local political actors. Data from 2014 research show that citizens’ initiative, referendum, and consultative meetings are not frequently used participatory
mechanisms in Croatia. Sub-municipal governments have not been
established in one third of local units, indicating their smallness and – probably – the low level of decentralization in Croatia.

Keywords

local democracy – Croatia; local politics; sub-municipal governments; referendum; directly elected mayors; independent local political actors; citizens’ initiative

Hrčak ID:

142729

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/142729

Publication date:

28.6.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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