Deliberative democracy in the time of crisis: participatory instruments at the local level and their limitations (some remarks)
Deliberative democracy in the time of crisis: participatory instruments at the local level and their limitations (some remarks)

Summary/Abstract: Purpose of the study: The study provides the reader with the presentation of one of participatory instruments – social consultations at the level of gminaadministrative district. The aim of the article is to determine if the participatoryinstruments at the level of the basic unit of Polish local self-government werelimited at the time when some new legal steps were undertaken by the Polishauthorities during the coronavirus crisis (April-July 2020).Research methods: In this particular study theoretical analysis and legal methods(including formal legal method) were applied to approach the raised questions andto formulate conclusions.Results:In Poland, during the so-called ‘lock-down’ (April-May 2020), the mostpopular participatory instruments at the local level – social consultations wereable to work. If opinions and projects submitted for consultations were notintended to be held in person, the electronic system was working, therefore theinhabitants of gmina were able to send an electronic version of a prepared form.If the consultations were intended to be held personally, they should have beenrescheduled. In the context of the latest events concerning COVID-19 crisis, wemay observe the development of the activities of administrative and local bodieswhich are in connection with the idea of the so-called ‘digital state’.Discussion: The diversity of forms of public participation gives a real opportunityto shape the policies of a state, region, or local government. Citizens themselvesimplement solutions in the area of administration, social affairs, and economythrough their participation in contemporary public dialogue. Public support for therealization of fundamental tasks of local administrative bodies is required in orderto make the decisions legitimate and understandable. Polish local self-governmentalbodies develop some new tools and forms of communication. Informationand communication technologies provide municipalities with the freedom ofparticipation in a decision-making process, and give a real opportunity to fasterexchange of information and answers to the local problems.

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