Citizen participation

The opportunities for citizen participation are set out in the Basic Law (Art. 20 Para. 2 and Art. 28 Para. 1). Accordingly, the principle of representative democracy applies to the Federal Republic of Germany. The decision-making process is primarily carried out by elected representatives and not directly by the people. Consequently, the election of local parliaments (election of the municipal council and the district council) is the most important instrument through which the people directly exercise state power. Another important opportunity for participation at municipal level is the direct election of mayors, district councillors and local councillors.

In addition to the opportunities for participation based on the principle of representation, the Rhineland-Palatinate Municipal Code (GemO) contains a number of other instruments of participation, some of which are also open to residents who are not entitled to vote (e.g. minors):

Residents' meeting: The residents' meeting serves to inform residents about important municipal matters and should be held at least once a year, otherwise as required. This is a simple form of citizen participation.

Citizens'petition and referendum: The citizens of a municipality can apply for a referendum on an important matter concerning the municipality by means of a citizens' petition. In a referendum, the people (who are entitled to vote) decide on issues themselves. The referendum is the strongest form of citizen participation and breaks through the principle of representation. However, a negative catalog listed in the GemO excludes certain areas from the referendum.

There are also other elements of citizen participation in the form of various rights of consultation, objection and complaint. At state level, citizens can also exercise their right to petition the petitions committee of the state parliament.