Impact of globalization on the direct participation of citizens in local self-government in the Republic of Bulgaria

Abstract

Research background: The direct participation of citizens in political decision-making in the state is one of the ways to implement the public relations between the political state represented by the authorities of local self-government and administration. In addition to that, the civil society on behalf of the local inhabitants of the municipalities is also part of this process. Purpose of the article: This report aims to examine which forms of direct democracy are most often applied in the system of local self-government and what is the result of them in view of the economic independence of municipalities. The comparative study covers the periods before and after the signing of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 1995 by the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as the periods before and after the accession of our country to the EU in 2007. These two events play a key role in the impact of globalization processes on the direct participation of citizens in local political decision making. Methods: The methodological tools, used in the research, include the comparative analysis and the comparative-legal method. Findings & Value added: The contribution of the research is expressed in tracking the trend in the application of various forms of direct participation of citizens in local government in the Republic of Bulgaria, in outlining the main shortcomings of legal regulations and factors, favoring or hindering the implementation of these forms, and in formulating proposals de lege ferenda to improve existing legislation.