The impact of decentralization reform on relations among policy actors

Abstract

Although decentralization reforms from 1993 to 2000 have brought great changes in the system of local government, they have perceived not to have dramatic, visible effects. But in several aspects, the impact of decentralization reform can be seen, and the policy process in local governments is changing gradually. This article focuses on the interaction among policy actors in local government policy processes, and demonstrates how crises have been used as tools to change local government policy processes. In this way, this article provides evidence that decentralization reform is becoming real.