Online Workshop by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

On 2 December, the first online workshop titled “Concepts and Models of Local Self-Government and Paths of Transition to a Democratic System” took place.

The series of training events for participants of the Personnel Reserve was organized by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the delegation of the Coordination Council to the Congress.

The first workshop focused on the basic concepts and models of local self-government, as well as possible pathways that could lead Belarus toward a democratic system.

Local self-government is one of the key elements of democratic transformation — and at the same time one of the weakest points in the current Belarusian system. For many years, local authorities in Belarus had almost no autonomy, carried little political responsibility, and had no real connection with citizens. This must fundamentally change in a democratic transition, noted Yuriy Hubarevich, Deputy Representative for Power Transition of the United Transitional Cabinet and coordinator of the Personnel Reserve initiative, during the opening of the workshop.

The workshop provided an opportunity for an open discussion between members of the Congress and participants of the Personnel Reserve, as well as other representatives of Belarusian democratic forces, on the reform of the local self-government system.

To take part in the next workshop, simply fill out the application form and join the Personnel Reserve: https://pr-belarus.org/be/apply-by