1. PARTICIPATIVE DEMOCRACY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

2. Definition and general issue Process of decentralisation that goes hand in hand with the wish to launch the process of democratisation In relation with the historico-political context, the main issue becomes even more important

3. The instruments of local participative democracy (1) The principles of the European Charta of local self- government (ratified 7th May 1999) - Local autonomy (decentralisation and autonomy for communities and regions in the Czech Republic) - “close-by management”: involving citizens in local policies

4. The instruments of local participative democracy (2) The right to information Article 17 of the Czech constitution says: “Freedom of expression and the right to information are guaranteed. [...] Organs of the State and of local self-government shall provide in an appropriate manner information on their activities.”

5. The instruments of local participative democracy (3) - Popular initiatives:  Local referendum: wish to democratise the decisional process on the initiative of the locals main difficulty: citizenry is insufficiently enthusiastic  The right of petition Article 18 of the Constitution: “ The right of petition is guaranteed; everybody has the right to address himself or herself, or jointly with other individuals, organs of the State or of local self-government with requests, proposals and complaints in matters of public or other common interest.”

6. Local participative democracy (4) Other instruments: Public debates Committees of the neighbourhood Associations of users of public services Electronic democracy (but only 20% of the Czech have internet access)

7. To which extend are the instruments of local participative democracy appropriate? - Difficult to obtain precise figures on how strongly the existing means are used - Limits regarding the usage of new technologies - Limits linked to the authoritative past of the State, the youth of the current government and to psychological and cultural restraint

8. Conclusion New institutions and instruments are difficultly appropriate Is the problem culturally rooted? Is the willpower real? Dekuji ! Na shledanou !