Słowenia

Abstract

Slovenia is a very interesting, significant European country, although it is also one of the smallest in area and population. It is located in a picturesque, clearly distinct, independent and diversified region, situated between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, forming the southwestern corner of Central Europe. The territorial self-government in Slovenia was formed in the 19th century according to Austrian patterns. It was based on single municipal and country parishes, possessing great freedom of action, with hardly any control from outside. The traditions of modern Slovenian self-government go back to the principles of Workers’ self-management, accepted in former Yugoslavia on the 13th January, 1953. The legal bases of self-government are contained in the Constitution of Slovenia from 1991 and the Bill on Self-Governments from 1993. They are in compliance with the fundamental standards and general principles formulated in the European Charter of Local Self- Government. The present system of self-government in Slovenia is one-level and consists of over 210 parishes. The most important organs of both country and municipal parishes are: the Parish Council, żupan, and the Board of Governors; and their most important document is the parish statute. Parishes in Slovenia have greater powers than in other European Union countries. Without their prior consent the country cannot impose any task on them. On entering the EU, Slovenia took it upon itself to form the second level of self-government, i.e. regions (pokrajiny). Consecutive governments are willing to form them, but practical and economical Slovenians do not want them. An important and practical part in the structure of Slovenian self-government is played by two associations of parishes and some scientific institutes, especially the ones in Lublana and Maribor. To deal with state affairs, 58 basic administrative units (districts) have been formed. Both the Italian and Hungarian national minorities, as well as the Romany ethnic group may legally participate in the activity of Slovenian self-governments. Direct democracy, openness of public life and high political culture are clearly visible in Slovenia, especially in the activity of parishes.