Citizen participation

The possibilities for citizen participation are derived from the Basic Law (Art. 20 Para. 2 and Art. 28 Para. 1). According to this, the principle of representative democracy applies to the Federal Republic of Germany. Wills are formed primarily by elected representatives and not directly by the people. Consequently, the election of local parliaments (election of municipal representatives and district councils) is the most important instrument by which the people exercise state power directly. Another important means of participation at the municipal level is through the direct election of mayors, district councils and local chiefs.

In addition to the participation opportunities according to the principle of representation, the Rhineland-Palatinate Municipal Code (GemO) contains several other participation instruments, 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 the residents about important matters of the municipality 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 request a referendum on an important matter of the municipality by means of a citizens' petition. In a citizens' referendum, the population (eligible to vote) thus decides for itself on substantive issues. 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 for the citizens' referendum.

There are also further elements of citizen participation in the form of various rights of hearing, objection and complaint. At the state level, citizens can also exercise their right to petition the Petitions Committee of the state parliament.