Participative Local democracy in Finland

The Legal Context of Local Participative Democracy in Finland An essential aspect of the local government decision-making process, like in most Western countries The 1991 European Charter of local self-government insists on local participative democracy the Local Government Act gives local residents and service-users the right to participate to decision-making processes and to influence their local authorities Some local participation tools have been institutionalized

Tools for Local Participative Democracy Local Referendums: - A referendum can be opened on any matter regarding the whole area of the local entity or some component area - At least 5% of those entitled to vote may propose a referendum - Voting right can be only exercised by local residents Right of initiative: - Residents have the right to submit initiatives and shall be informed of actions taken (at least within 6 months) - At least 5% of local residents must be involved in the initiative Information: - Special surveys - Local hearings - Forums No petition right

E(lectronic) Democracy The aims are: -to increase citizens’ participation by using information and communication technology -to modernize local government -to achieve good governance -Also the internet is seen as a tool for educating local residents E-democracy in Tampere: -Residents can participate in local decision-making processes via internet -All agenda and plans issued by the local authorities are set on line -Residents can give comments and discuss on the web-site dedicated to their local authority Local Authorities’ Websites are provided with: -Preparation forums -Discussion forums -Blogs

Strength and weaknesses of local participative democracy in Finland Tools are in a too small number Participative democracy cannot compensate for the crisis of representative democracy: Low turn-out at local and general elections mirrors low rate of citizens’ mobilization A new project in Tampere to fill the gap between elected representatives and the electorate The problem of inequalities in representation remains unsolved