The possibilities for citizen participation arise from the Basic Law (Art. 20 (2) and Art. 28 (1)). According to this, the principle of representative democracy applies to the Federal Republic of Germany. Decisions are made primarily by elected representatives and not directly by the people. Consequently, the election of local parliaments (election of municipal councils and district councils) is the most important instrument through which the people directly exercise state power. Another important opportunity for participation at the local level is provided by the direct election of mayors, district administrators, and local council chairpersons.
In addition to the opportunities for participation based on the principle of representation, the Local Government Act (GemO) of Rhineland-Palatinate contains a number of other instruments of participation, some of which are also open to residents who are not eligible to vote (e.g., minors):
Residents' meeting:
The residents' meeting serves to inform residents about important municipal matters and should be held at least once a year, or as often as necessary. This is a simple form of citizen participation.
Citizens' initiative and referendum:
The citizens of a municipality can use a citizens' initiative to request a referendum on an important municipal matter. In a referendum, the (eligible) population decides on factual issues themselves. The referendum is the strongest form of citizen participation and breaks with the principle of representation. However, a negative catalog listed in the GemO excludes certain areas from the referendum.
There are also other elements of citizen participation through various rights of consultation, objection, and complaint. At the state level, citizens can also exercise their right to petition the state parliament's petitions committee.
Further information on the topic of citizen participation can be found on the websites of the Association of Municipalities and Cities of Rhineland-Palatinate (GStB) and the Ministry of the Interior and Sport.
