COVID-19 and local citizen participation in Spain: An assessment from the perspective of municipal decision-makers and advisory council members
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24965/gapp.11344Keywords:
citizen participation, COVID-19, impact, evaluation, local, online participationAbstract
Objectives: To analyze stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizen participation in Spain and identify the factors influencing the assessment of its severity. This analysis is based on information from two research projects on local citizen participation, modified after the WHO declared the pandemic to include this new context. Methodology: Mixed research methods were used. Quantitative data was collected through web surveys directed at those responsible for citizen participation in municipalities with more than 1,000 inhabitants in Andalusia and Madrid, as well as members of Andalusian advisory councils. Qualitative information was obtained through semi-structured interviews with key informants from the selected case studies. Results: The pandemic interrupted or shifted initiatives to an online format. The perceived severity of the impact is more pronounced in municipalities with greater resources for participation and those governed by left-wing parties. The study identifies significant obstacles to citizen participation due to the pandemic, with variations depending on local governance and resource availability. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering political and resource factors when assessing the resilience of participatory initiatives during crises.
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