Armenian community councillors: key actors of local democracy

Strasbourg, 28 June 2016 - 25 councillors from 18 communities of Armenia discussed their role in engaging citizens and promoting ethics in local public policies during a three-day workshop held from 21 to 23 June in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. “Local elected representatives have the responsibility to ensure a transparent decision-making process” stated Congress member Nino Zurabishvili (Georgia, SOC) in her presentation of the case of Gori municipality, Georgia, on “Ethics in local authorities and anti-corruption measures”.

While Armenia is engaged in its third anti-corruption strategy 2015-2018, experts emphasised the importance of involving citizens and promoting transparent processes, as key tools to counter corruption and encourage ethical behaviour. Presenting the results of a working group on this topic, a participant confirmed her “commitment to making proper decisions for public good and public interest, in a long-term perspective”.

The workshop allowed for exchanges with a member of the Armenian Parliament as well as with Congress members and experts, in particular on the current reforms on local government and the European principles and standards of local democracy. Councillors had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Armenian legislative framework, to discuss their roles and responsibilities, and to develop their capacities with a view to further engage citizens in local affairs.

This activity has been organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in partnership with the Association of Municipal Councillors of Armenia (AMCA). It is part of a series of three workshops targeting Armenian community councillors offered within the project “Support to consolidating local democracy in Armenia” - Line of Action III “Strengthening local elected representatives’ leadership”. The project is implemented as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2015-2018 and it is financed by the Government of Denmark.

Armenia joined the Council of Europe in 2001, ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2002 with entry into force on 1 May 2002 and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority in 2013.  Countries which have ratified the Charter are bound by its provisions. The Charter imposes compliance with a minimum number of rights, which are the European bedrock of local self-government. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe ensures respect for these principles.