Single-Level Local Self-Government in Georgia: Challenges and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In this paper, the local self-government bodies of Georgia and the reforms implemented in this field in 2006 and 2014 are examined. The introduction of a Single-level local self-government system in the country is analyzed, including the reasons for its implementation, its negative aspects, existing problems, ways to address them, and future prospects. Special attention is given to the 2006 local self-government reform, the abolition of self-government bodies of villages, communities, settlements, and cities, as well as district administrative bodies, and the introduction first of the institution of the governor’s representative and later the institution of representatives, general assemblies of settlements, and elected representatives, along with their negative aspects.

The study employs a comparative legal analysis of local self-government bodies in foreign countries, which makes it possible to address the question of whether the restoration of self-government at the village, community, settlement, and city levels is feasible and what positive outcomes such a step could bring to the development of local self-government in Georgia.