Participatory budgeting in Cluj-Napoca

June 1, 2013

Author: Olga Anca Bar & Diana Isvoranu

The following paper aims at discussing the way in which the pilot-project of participatory budgeting is being implemented at the level of Cluj-Napoca. Following the examples of the states which have already adopted this way of involving its citizens in the decision making process and management of the local budget, the City Hall and City Council, in partnership with different NGOs from Cluj-Napoca, have initiated this project at the beginning of 2013 in Mănăştur, the city’s largest district. In order to better understand the operating parameters of this project we decided not only to analyze the defining elements of the local budget in general and those of participatory budgeting in particular, but also to engage in a more practical approach, based on direct participation and identification of attitudes belonging to those involved (citizens and local authorities).