In local government, social and public services are a priority

Local government institutions are only one of the actors in governance. Other actors include citizen groups, civil society organizations, media, businesses, research institutes, trade unions, various associations, political parties, religious leaders. As you can see, each of us is part of the government. Being active and understanding your role ensures what we call good governance. For this municipality to have joint development and the best possible decisions, according to the Council of Europe, there are a number of principles that must be followed: Local elections must be free and fair, according to international standards and national legislation, without any fraud. Citizens are at the center of public activity and should be involved in clearly defined ways in public life at the local level by men and women, old and young is a key requirement of good governance. Everyone who wants to contribute to decision-making should be able to do so, through direct means, by actually being part of the decision-making process or by giving opinions to their representatives or recommendations to other government institutions. local. The local government should implement the promised objectives and make the best possible use of the human capacity, resources and time available to ensure the best possible results for the community, while the whole process should be evaluated at regular intervals through the systems of performance management. Local government should always strive to serve the needs of the entire community, while public services should be provided in a timely manner, while requests and complaints should be answered as quickly as possible. All decision makers, individual or collective, take responsibility for their actions. Their responsibility is enforced by effective measures against maladministration and against actions of local government bodies that violate rights. When there is good governance, the law is enforced, local authorities respect judicial and legal decisions, while rules are adopted in accordance with the procedures provided by law. Public interest always comes before individual interest. Public officials are equipped with professional skills, and when needed to improve them, strengthen them to ensure better expected results. In a municipality with good governance, there is always motivation to improve performance. Annual budget plans are developed in consultation with the public. Procurement procedures are done prudently, assessing needs, requirements and income. Public services must be affordable and fees for them must not exceed the cost of the service provided. Expenses must be calculated and evaluated properly. Within the sphere of influence of local institutions, human rights are respected, protected and implemented,while fighting discrimination for any reason. Public officials respect the rights and freedoms of all, regardless of their differences. Cultural diversity is treated as an asset and the local government makes efforts to identify with it. Undeveloped areas are continuously integrated. Where there is good governance, there is access to all public documents, only if they are classified, an exception is made, but the reasons are always defined by law. Information on the decisions, the implementation of policies and the results of the activities of the 61 municipalities is made available to the public in such a way as to enable the citizen to follow and contribute effectively to the work of local institutions. A favorable climate is created to achieve the best possible results, while new ideas are welcomed to be put into reality. New and efficient technologies and solutions are always required. Decisions are made with the aim of seeking long-term improvements, while the needs of future generations are taken into account in current policies. The costs, problems and tensions of today's decisions should not be a burden that is transferred to future generations.