Dynamics of changes in Turkish local governance

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1556/SocEc.28.2006.3.2

After showing political, economic and social factors forcing changes in the Turkish local governance, the paper points to novel participatory mechanisms in the system, including alternative structures for municipal councils and the so-called Local Agenda 21 initiatives related to the Rio and Johannesburg Summits organised by the UN. Dealing with the new local government initiative, the paper also addresses legal developments, and the reform debate that proposals induced. Finally, the new role and functions of regional development agencies are discussed, the creation of which can mostly be attributed to the intensifying relations with the European Union. Conclusions state it is too early to suggest the demise of the bureaucratic ruling tradition in Turkey, but there is no doubt that it has been “dented”.