LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT: FINANCIAL AUTONOMY AND LOCAL DEMOCRACY

The aim of the study is to assess local self-government in Bulgaria, using financial indicators for fiscal independence of municipalities and the level of local democracy, and on this basis to formulate recommendations. Methods: The study used both general and specific scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, expert assessment method, and survey. Results: In Bulgaria a significant part of local budgets are still highly dependent on state transfers from the central budget, and the level of local democracy is low. Conclusions: The imbalance in this area affects the entire system of functioning of society and interferes with normal relations between local authorities and the local community. The lack of understanding of the need for local democracy, both on the part of local authorities and the central government, creates conditions for the implementation of ineffective and inefficient municipal policies for the provision of local services.