The existence of strong democratic institutions in the regions is the key for the successful democratic reforms in the country. In this regard, the strong local self-government is the bases for the future democratic developments in the region.
Considering this, what is the situation today in the region of Adjara? What do the representatives of local government and local society think about existing self-government model? How do they view their roles and places in the development process of local self-government? – These were the key questions of the public discussion organized by Heinrich Boell Foundation on May 14th, 2010.
The main speakers of the discussions were Giorgi Kirtadze – Chairman of the local representative body of self-governing city of Batumi and Sulkhan Glonti – the majoritarian candidate of “Alliance for Georgia” for the up-coming local elections of May 30th. The presented tow speakers also represent the young generation of active politicians in the region. Among others one of the main purposes of the May 14th debates of Heinrich Boell Foundation was to present the views of active young politicians on the issues of today’s reality and future developments of local self-government in the region.
The participants of the discussion underlined to high importance of civil society active participation in the process of effective development of local governing systems. During the debates the local government representatives and society members also stressed the necessity of future active steps in direction of better informing the local community. It can be the instrument to overcome the passiveness and raise the awareness to further encourage the active participation of society in the development process of the self-government in the country and region.