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Muş: Participatory Budgeting & Participatory Democracy

Avatar: Official proposal Official proposal

The Participatory Budgeting initiative was launched by Varto Municipality to create a direct link between local governance and the community, guided by a democratic, ecological, and gender-liberated perspective. In this model, the municipality allocated 50% of its total budget to participatory methods, with 25% of the annual investment budget specifically reserved for projects chosen through public voting. This approach shifts the decision-making power directly to the residents, allowing them to define the district's priorities.

The process followed a two-phase participatory cycle. The first phase (May-June 2025) involved strategic consultations with the Budget Commission, department heads, and muhtars. This was followed by neighborhood meetings where residents elected delegates based on population size. In July, 6 local civil society organizations joined the model to ensure a consultative base as well.

In the second phase (August-September 2025), 7 neighborhoods generated a total of 21 comprehensive project proposals. These demands were reviewed for technical feasibility through an ecological and gender-sensitive perspective. This culminated in a direct voting process in September, where citizens prioritized these 21 projects to be implemented progressively over the coming years.

In the second phase (August-September), residents across 7 neighborhoods developed 21 project proposals. These demands were evaluated for technical feasibility through an ecological and gender-sensitive lens. In September, a direct voting process was held, where citizens prioritized these 21 projects to be implemented.

The resulting proposal, covering essential areas like road construction, sewage, irrigation, clean water, and social facilities, was submitted to the Mayor in October. In November, the Municipal Council formally approved the budget, integrating it into the 2026 investment program by allocation 25% of the investment budget (approximately 90 million TL). Through this initiative, Varto has bridged the gap between the administration and the community, creating a sustainable and scalable model of participatory democracy.

Learn more about: https://www.varto.bel.tr/ 


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