The Modern Challenges of Decentralization Process in Georgia

Natalia Dzidziguri

Journal number 1 ∘ Natalia Dzidziguri ∘
The Modern Challenges of Decentralization Process in Georgia

Expanded summary

Creation and development of full-fledged local self-government is one of the key goals of state governance system. In the countries of European Union reforms are still on-going, aiming further distribution of state powers in already decentralized countries where the principle of connexion is supported by the constitution.

The self-governance has centuries-old history in Georgia. In the period of democratic republic (1918-1921) the modern two-level self-government system has been created. Obviously, the soviet period has retreated development of local self-government and only since 1990s after announcement of independence in Georgia, the changes did began for institutionalization and legislative regulation of local government.

The implementation of decentralization depends on strong, reliable, transparent, systematic, single standard and citizen-oriented self-government.

Government of Georgia has adopted several strategic documents since 2014, the purpose of which are to support enhancing competitiveness of country and its regions, as well as promoting balanced socio-economic development and improving the living conditions.

In particular, we would like to outline Decentralization Strategy for 2020-2025 adopted by Georgian Government and approved under Resolution N 678 dated 31.12.2019 and Action Plan 2020-2021 of Decentralization Strategy.

The given Document responds and is related to the priorities listed under National Policy Document – “Freedom, Rapid Development, Prosperity”, the will of the government to accelerate process of decentralization, to delegate power from the center and to distribute necessary resources for those levels that owe capacity to more efficiently address existing issues.

Decentralization Strategy for 2020-2025 and Action Plan 2020-2021 of Decentralization Strategy actually reflect the existing challenges; they stipulate strategic goals and objectives, visions for 2025, as well as principles of implementation and management tools, with relevant output indications, reporting, monitoring and evaluation system.

In this process, it is highly important to share current tendencies of decentralization policy in OECD countries and beyond it and effective ways of implementation of decentralization; besides active participation of each of us – or generally civic society is far significant for creation of strong local self-government not to permit politicization of it.

Obviously, implementation of local self-government system is a consecutive process and it requires a complex approach. During implementation of decentralization process it will be important to share experiences of European countries and the active participation of researchers, field specialists and foreseeing their recommendations as well. Performance of set goals requires acting according to the existing strategy, activation of all mechanisms, execution process monitoring, detecting the poor links, rapid changes during analysis and providing the final summary.

The successful implementation of decentralization process in Georgia, promoting sustainable development and large-scale participation of society in strengthening democratic processes should be example for the regions of Abkhazia and Ossetia, as after unification, the success of carried reforms, can become basis for their support and sharing.

EKONOMISTI The international scientific and analytical, reviewed, printing and electronic journal of Paata Gugushvili Institute of Economics of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

DOI: 10.36172/EKONOMISTI E ISSN 2346-8432 Print ISSN 1987-6890	Journal number 1 ∘ Natalia Dzidziguri ∘ The Modern Challenges of Decentralization Process in Georgia Expanded summary Creation and development of full-fledged local self-government is one of the key goals of state governance system. In the countries of European Union reforms are still on-going, aiming further distribution of state powers in already decentralized countries where the principle of connexion is supported by the constitution. The self-governance has centuries-old history in Georgia. In the period of democratic republic (1918-1921) the modern two-level self-government system has been created. Obviously, the soviet period has retreated development of local self-government and only since 1990s after announcement of independence in Georgia, the changes did began for institutionalization and legislative regulation of local government. The implementation of decentralization depends on strong, reliable, transparent, systematic, single standard and citizen-oriented self-government. Government of Georgia has adopted several strategic documents since 2014, the purpose of which are to support enhancing competitiveness of country and its regions, as well as promoting balanced socio-economic development and improving the living conditions. In particular, we would like to outline Decentralization Strategy for 2020-2025 adopted by Georgian Government and approved under Resolution N 678 dated 31.12.2019 and Action Plan 2020-2021 of Decentralization Strategy. The given Document responds and is related to the priorities listed under National Policy Document – “Freedom, Rapid Development, Prosperity”, the will of the government to accelerate process of decentralization, to delegate power from the center and to distribute necessary resources for those levels that owe capacity to more efficiently address existing issues. Decentralization Strategy for 2020-2025 and Action Plan 2020-2021 of Decentralization Strategy actually reflect the existing challenges; they stipulate strategic goals and objectives, visions for 2025, as well as principles of implementation and management tools, with relevant output indications, reporting, monitoring and evaluation system. In this process, it is highly important to share current tendencies of decentralization policy in OECD countries and beyond it and effective ways of implementation of decentralization; besides active participation of each of us – or generally civic society is far significant for creation of strong local self-government not to permit politicization of it. Obviously, implementation of local self-government system is a consecutive process and it requires a complex approach. During implementation of decentralization process it will be important to share experiences of European countries and the active participation of researchers, field specialists and foreseeing their recommendations as well. Performance of set goals requires acting according to the existing strategy, activation of all mechanisms, execution process monitoring, detecting the poor links, rapid changes during analysis and providing the final summary. The successful implementation of decentralization process in Georgia, promoting sustainable development and large-scale participation of society in strengthening democratic processes should be example for the regions of Abkhazia and Ossetia, as after unification, the success of carried reforms, can become basis for their support and sharing.