In today's decentralized world, the role of the territorial community is growing, and with it, the importance of its primary document—the Charter. Is this document merely a formality, or can it truly become an effective tool for direct democracy? To explore this vision, assess the state of local democracy, and outline the needs of the community, we spoke with Irshava Mayor Viktor Symkanynets. His perspective is crucial for formulating proposals to draft the Charter of the Irshava Urban Territorial Community, which will meet modern challenges and the aspirations of its residents.
- Vision for a Modern Charter: More Than Just Rules
At the beginning of the conversation, Viktor Symkanynets outlines his vision of the modern role of the Community Charter: “It is essential to secure the protection of our unique cultural and historical heritage, traditional local holidays, and a clear balance of development between the administrative center and the starosta districts so that no village feels forgotten.”
- Local Democracy: Engagement and Its Challenges
Regarding the engagement of residents in community life, Mr. Viktor notes that the situation is dynamic. “The level of activity is average, but it tends to grow. People are ready to mobilize around critical issues (volunteering, safety), but are less willing to participate in everyday administrative processes.” Among the key opportunities missing for full citizen engagement, the mayor points to the need for transparent financial mechanisms and effective advisory bodies. “There is a lack of a full-fledged Participatory Budget (community budget) with transparent funding, as well as effective IDP Councils and youth parliaments with real influence on executive committee decisions,” he points out as specific levers that could expand opportunities for influence.
According to Viktor Symkanynets, the reasons for such cautious participation lie in several areas: “Lack of free time and daily routine stress. Disillusionment (‘nothing depends on us’) due to outdated bureaucratic procedures. Insufficient awareness of available instruments of influence.” These factors present a serious challenge that must be addressed when updating local democracy mechanisms.
- The Charter as a Roadmap: Convenience, Clarity, and Effectiveness
The Irshava Mayor has a clear vision for the format and language of the document: “It should be written in simple, living language, without complex legal jargon. The ideal format is an interactive document on the community website with step-by-step infographics and clear action algorithms for citizens.” This approach makes the Charter accessible and understandable to every resident. “Residents will receive clear tools to hold authorities accountable, while the government gains legitimate support from the community in implementing reforms. It is a tool for building mutual trust,” summarizes Viktor Symkanynets, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such a document.
But how do we ensure that the Charter does not remain just on paper? “Conduct a broad information campaign after its adoption. Create a concise guide to the Charter (‘Charter in Your Pocket’) for residents, introduce its study in local schools during civic education classes, and strictly adhere to its provisions in the council's work,” Mr. Viktor shares his plans for ensuring its real effectiveness.
- Values and Mechanisms of Effective Participation: No One Is Forgotten
The mayor pays special attention to involving vulnerable population groups. “The Charter must legally mandate the creation of advisory bodies: a Veterans' Council, an IDP Council, an Accessibility Committee, and a Youth Council. The decisions of these bodies must be mandatory for review by relevant deputy committees,” he emphasizes, stressing the need for real influence from these structures.
Whose voice is not adequately considered today? “The voices of residents in remote hamlets/villages and people with disabilities (due to mobility issues). This can be changed by implementing outreach visits in a ‘mobile office’ format and developing digital voting services accessible from home,” notes the head of the community, offering concrete solutions to overcome geographical and physical barriers.
- Communication with the Community: Combining the Traditional and the Innovative
An important aspect of effective democracy is communication. What is the best way to communicate with residents? “Purely synergy and combination: e-services for prompt information sharing, gathering proposals, and saving time; personal meetings for discussing strategic and sensitive issues where emotional contact is essential,” believes Viktor Symkanynets, highlighting the need for a flexible approach.
- The Community of the Future: Safe, Progressive, Effective
The Irshava Mayor optimistically shares his vision for the community 5–10 years after implementing such an effective Charter: “It is a safe, European, financially viable community with zero tolerance for corruption. A place where people want to live, raise children, invest money, and where our people return. A community where every resident knows that their voice matters.”
In conclusion, we asked Viktor Symkanynets to describe the future Charter in three words. His response was clear and concise: “EFFECTIVENESS—because the document must work in practice, not sit on a shelf. FAIRNESS—because it protects the interests of every resident, regardless of wealth or place of residence. PROGRESS—because it paves the way for digital technologies and modern governance standards.”
The interview with Irshava Mayor Viktor Symkanynets clearly demonstrates his vision of the Community Charter as an interactive, clear, and inclusive document that solidifies transparency, fairness, and effective mechanisms for citizen participation in community life.
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The project “Community Charter as a Tool for Real Direct Democracy” is implemented by NGO CAHR "Vested" jointly with the Faculty of Law of UzhNU, the Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Research of European Territorial Cooperation, and the NGO “Grassroots Institute” in partnership with Uzhhorod and Irshava urban, Kamianske and Zarichchia rural territorial communities with financial support from the International Renaissance Foundation. The article represents the position of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Новини
August 20, 2026