Public participation in post-communist cities between stagnation and progress: The examples of Zagreb and Ljubljana
Public participation in post-communist cities between stagnation and progress: The examples of Zagreb and Ljubljana

Summary/Abstract: Public participation in the urban transformation of capital cities is an important factor to consider when assessing the quality of democracy in post-communist countries. This study examines participatory processes in two capital cities, Zagreb (Croatia) and Ljubljana (Slovenia). The cases studied are summarized, and similarities and differences are pointed out using the comparative method (Tabor Park and the BS 7 neighbourhood in Ljubljana, and the Meštrović Pavilion and Savica Park in Zagreb). Findings from 2018 and 2019 showed a rather low level of public participation in Zagreb. In Ljubljana, the level of public participation was higher and the legal basis for it stronger, although there was a certain amount of dependence on political and economic factors. In both cities, public participation in its most direct form was present at the level of NGO and civil initiative activities. Residents’ communication with the city administration was poor and did not facilitate the participation process.

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