engleski

Forms of direct democracy in Croatia with focus on sub-municipal government

The role of the local representative body as the main bearer of the principles of democracy is examined, as well as the state of actual implementation of instruments of direct participation and decision-making of citizens, primarily referendums, citizens' initiatives and local self-government. The analysis shows that the role of the representative body was significantly weakened in favor of the executive body, which was further contributed by the amendments to the Law on Local and Regional Self-Government of 2017. Although legally regulated, civic initiatives are completely marginalized. Referendums are rare and most often unsuccessful because of the large quota required for their validity. Sub- municipal government does not exist in a large number of municipalities, and their competences and their visibility to citizens are rather small. Suggestions for possible improvements are provided.

the principle of democracy, local representative body, referendum, citizens' initiative, submunicipal governments

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