Abstract
This article analyses participatory budgeting initiatives in Central European cities, examining how this democratic innovation has been adopted and adapted in the post-socialist context. Through comparative case studies of participatory budgeting in Bratislava, Wroclaw, and Cluj-Napoca, the study evaluates impacts on citizen engagement, municipal governance, and urban development priorities.
Key Findings
- Participatory budgeting in Central Europe tends to involve smaller budget shares than in Latin American models
- Participation rates are highest among middle-class, educated citizens, raising equity concerns
- Digital participation platforms increase accessibility but may reinforce existing participation inequalities
- Municipal commitment to implementing citizen-selected projects is the strongest predictor of sustained participation
Methodology
Comparative case study analysis combining budgetary data analysis, participation records, and qualitative interviews with municipal officials, civil society organisers, and citizen participants.
Implications
The article provides practical recommendations for designing participatory budgeting processes that combine democratic legitimacy with effective governance, with particular attention to inclusion and equity in participation.
