Development of Local Government Reforms in Latvia

Abstract

Significant local government reforms are being implemented in Latvia. Reforms of local governments
include both – strengthening democracy and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of activities of
local governments, using updated methods of management and involving the population in decision –
making process. The principles of local government reforms in Latvia are based on the principles of the
European Charter of Local Self-Government. The core of these reforms is administrative – territorial
reorganisation. It is implemented by voluntary amalgamation and is slow. In result today in Latvia local
governments are too small. The functions of local governments in Latvia are quite wide, but their financial
resources are insufficient. In Latvia actual is decreasing the unfavourable regional disparities, using the
support from the EU Structural Funds. Integration of public administration reforms, territories socioeconomic
development planning, formation of local