CHALLENGES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT DURING A PANDEMIC (FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF SVISHTOV MUNICIPALITY, REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA)

Abstract

Controlling the spread of COVID-19, in a complicating epidemic situation in towns and villages, proved to be a serious challenge for local governments as well. Taking into account the lack of established practice and anticipatory theory in pandemic situations, the present study substantiates the adequacy of measures taken and activities against the spread of COVID-19 in the municipality of Svishtov. With the help of theoretical and empirical research methods, good practices of local self-government are analyzed (through observation and monitoring) and synthesized, with limited resources (including financial, human, technological, information), for all citizens to create adequate living conditions during a pandemic. Among the key priorities are: healthcare, social activities, education, economy, safe environment, public order and security, fight against misinformation, institutional partnerships, donation initiative, communication and media policy, local restrictive measures. The paper presents systematic actions and initiatives on the territory of Svishtov municipality, in accordance with the stated national priorities, the Decision of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria to declare a "state of emergency", the Law on Measures and Actions during the state of emergency, the Decision of the Council of Ministers on declaring an “emergency epidemic situation”, the recommendations of the National Operational Headquarters for combating the coronavirus in Bulgaria, the orders of the Minister of Health, the instructions and prescriptions of specialized competent bodies and institutions. In view of the above and the introduced anti-epidemic measures, the consequences for the local economy are also analyzed. The insurmountable event of extraordinary nature caused a negative effect on individuals and legal entities located in the municipality of Svishtov. The actions taken by the Municipality of Svishtov in connection with the prepared package of economic measures to support local businesses and citizens of the Municipality of Svishtov and to reduce the negative consequences of the pandemic were assessed. The results of the study show that the broad areas of competence and involvement of the Municipal crisis management structure, municipal administration and specialized competent authorities are a prerequisite for adequate implementation of measures under these key priorities and the lack of serious complications in the epidemic situation in the municipality Svishtov. The implemented activities against the spread of COVID-19 on the territory of Svishtov municipality are in accordance with the applicable national and regional policy. The package of economic measures is an adequate tool to support local businesses and citizens of Svishtov municipality, and to reduce the negative consequences of the pandemic.