한국 민주주의와 지방 분권: 성공을 위한 제도적 고려사항

Abstract

One of the key issues over the constitutional reform is about decentralization and strengthening local autonomy. Given the supremacy of the national government it is necessary to strengthening local governments. This paper suggests three points for better local democracy. First, the governing structure of local governments should be more diversified. Despite more than 20 years of local democracy, its structures were unilaterally imposed by the national government, and its form was standardized. To adapt to various local environment, local residents are able to select a form of governance among multiple alternatives. Second, the governing system of local governments is similar to a presidential system. Political mandate is given a mayor or governor, which makes it difficult to form a coalition government or to pursue power-sharing. Governing systems of local democracy can also be diversified like other democracies such as the U.S., Germany, United Kingdom, etc. Third, local politics should be more transparent and inclusive. Local politics has been governed by a locally dominant political party since democratization. Decentralization may result in corruption of a few local elite under these circumstances. Political laws should be revised to enhance participation, transparency, and checks-and-balances. At the same time, some measures of direct democracy such as local referendum, initiatives, and recall should be strengthened.