Towards a New Local Democracy
Workshop Report
Protecting and strengthening democracy begins at the local level, where citizens are closest to decision-making processes. When local governments operate in a transparent, participatory, and accountable manner, while fostering collaboration with stakeholders, they contribute to strengthening trust in democratic institutions and improving the quality of life in local communities.
The Council of Europe’s report, Towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe, published in May 2025, was discussed for the first time in Europe at the Towards a New Local Democracy workshop held in Türkiye. Organized in collaboration with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, and Argüden Governance Academy, the workshop addressed the needs, existing challenges, and proposed solutions for protecting and strengthening democracy in Europe and Türkiye, starting at the local level.
The workshop produced recommendations on reviewing local government legislation, enhancing transparency by publishing municipal tenders online, strengthening municipalities’ institutional capacity to engage with civil society, and clarifying the division of responsibilities among public institutions for citizens. It also emphasized the importance of enabling more effective participation by city councils, civil society organizations, mukhtars (neighborhood heads), and other stakeholders in local governance processes.
Drawing on the contributions of more than 100 participants, including representatives of the Presidential Council for Local Government and Disaster Policies, mayors, municipal council members, public officials, academics, and civil society representatives, this publication aims to share the workshop’s findings and proposed solutions with the Council of Europe, its member states, and the public in Türkiye. In doing so, it seeks to contribute to strengthening the resilience of local democracy, fostering a culture of participatory governance, and building trust in democratic institutions.
