Law on Local Self-Government
Regulates municipalities and cities, their responsibilities, bodies, legal acts and oversight. It covers direct public participation, neighbourhood communities and transparency of local administration.
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Democracy / local government / public participation
The Serbian law regulates municipalities, cities and Belgrade, their powers, institutions, local legal acts, supervision and legal protection. Local self-government concerns common public affairs managed directly or through elected representatives. Original local responsibilities differ from tasks delegated by the Republic or province. A budget decision, public utility service and individual administrative decision therefore do not necessarily follow the same procedure.
The assembly, municipal president or city mayor, council and administration have separate roles. Residents elect councillors directly; the assembly elects the municipal president or mayor. The local statute is the highest local act and further regulates organisation and participation. A neighbourhood community or public utility company is different from municipal administration. First identify the competent body, current local statute and specific legislation governing your request or service.
Citizens’ initiatives, public meetings and referendums have particular conditions. Article 69 requires bodies to consider proposals from a citizens’ meeting and inform residents within 60 days. Under Article 71, a complaint about the authority’s work or staff conduct requires a response within 30 days when the complainant requests one. This differs from an appeal against an administrative decision and does not replace its deadline. For consultation on local planning or budget investment, retain the notice, reasoned comments and proof of submission.
The current chain comprises Official Gazette 129/2007, 83/2014 and 101/2016 through other laws, 47/2018 and 111/2021 through another law. The base law took effect on publication, 29 December 2007. Investment-budget consultation applies from preparation of the 2019 budget onwards. Since 26 November 2021, the former paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 70 have been repealed; read local referendum rules with the referendum law 111/2021 and 119/2021. Use the current specific Legal Information System text alongside local acts. Participation depends on electoral rights, residence and the chosen procedure: everyone does not enjoy the same entitlement or procedural role.
This is Avangarda’s informative editorial overview and translation, not an official translation. For a particular case, check the current law through the official source, relevant implementing rules and individual decisions, and seek qualified legal help where needed. This overview does not replace the legislation or a competent authority’s decision.
What is this for?
Helps identify the responsible local body and the appropriate route to propose changes, join consultation or complain about administration.
Who can use it?
Residents, voters satisfying statutory conditions, councillors, associations and local bodies; foreigners do not automatically have identical voting and participation rights.
When should it be used?
For a municipal service problem, checking local budgets or plans, citizens’ initiatives, public meetings or complaints about an authority.