The Peculiar Evolution of Slovenian Local Government

After Slovenia's independence in 1991, the introduction of local government was challenging. Simona Kukovič and Miro Haček offer a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of local government from historical, normative, systemic, and dynamic perspectives. They analyze the historical-normative foundations, the functional dynamics of central organs, the position of local mayors, the municipal council, local democracy, and its role in local development. The book provides a holistic and thorough overview of local government, which has become an important part of the political system and a vehicle of local development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

After Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the introduction of local government was one of the most challenging tasks in the new country. It marked a radical shift from the socialist municipal system to the classical European type of local government. To understand the functioning of local government in this context, Simona Kukovič and Miro Haček offer a comprehensive analysis that encompasses historical, normative, systemic, and dynamic perspectives.

The authors begin by examining the historical-normative foundations of local government. They explore the reasons why local government exists and the principles that guide its operations. Building on this foundation, they delve into the functional dynamics of the central organs of local government. Specifically, they analyze the role of local mayors, the powers assigned to them by law, leadership characteristics, the evolution of eligibility, and the relationships between local mayors and other local actors.

Next, the authors turn their attention to the municipal council, which is a key decision-making body in local government. They outline the function and responsibilities of the council, highlighting some of the inner workings of this collective decision-making body. The authors also provide a wealth of empirical data to illustrate the functioning of local democracy, which is particularly vibrant, somewhat peculiar, and undoubtedly one of the strongest elements of Slovenia's still relatively fragile democracy.

The book provides a holistic and thorough overview of local government in Slovenia. Over the past three decades, local government has become an important part of the political system and an important vehicle for local development. The authors' analysis offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that local governments face in the context of a rapidly changing society.

In conclusion, "Local Government in Slovenia: Historical, Normative, Systemic, and Dynamic Perspectives" is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the functioning of local government in post-socialist countries. The authors' comprehensive analysis provides a deep understanding of the historical, normative, systemic, and dynamic factors that shape local government in Slovenia. This book will be of interest to students of politics, public administration, and regional studies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666931617