Budget support

While participatory budgeting is has been institutionalised in many EU member states, notably at the local level, it remains a challenge for citizens and CSOs to be involved in a comparable process in transitioning countries. INSPIRED fits the format of participatory budgeting because it manages to frame policies issues according to identified priorities by bringing CSOs and citizens to constructive and result-oriented dialogue with public authorities.

INSPIRED unlocks the potential of consultations to investments policies and ensures that all, including the voices of the least heard people, are included.

In 1989, just after the fall of the Military Junta, Olívio Dutra, Mayor of Porto Alegre (Brazil), launched the first participatory budgeting to build trust between authorities and citizens, and to make sure resources are equally distributed and promote social cohesion. This kind of initiatives helped Brazil democratising after years of authoritarian rule.

Through participatory budgeting, INSPIRED not only can deliver inclusive budget-making but helps in reinforcing overall democracy, developing active citizens, improving transparency and communities' well-being.

In the case of participatory budgeting, the Host Structure is typically acting as a facilitator between relevant finance authority and CSOs, including non-organised citizens. As budgeting is a major tool of power, the visibility of the action needs to penetrate all the spheres of society thanks to citizens-oriented outreach campaign, that ensures the democratic and efficient nature of the process.

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