Sessions 2021

One of the common features of the Municipalist experiences all over Europe is disseminating political power among citizens at the local level. This goal implies, on the one hand, a different relationship between the citizen and the urban space, based on the re-appropriation of common goods. On the other, the development of new tools and methods of political participation, allowing a dialectic confrontation for policymaking. Can these practices lead to the creation of new institutions from below?

Faced with the exacerbation of socio-economic inequalities, new models of local and regenerative economies have developed in recent years in cities to meet growing social and environmental needs. Despite the different characteristics depending on the specific socio-economic nature of the territories, these models are genuine ecosystem alternatives to the dominant model of linear economy. What perspectives can we draw for these experiences over post-pandemic transitions?

The climate crisis has increasingly significant repercussions at the local level, in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Air quality, water, energy, soil and food are becoming crucial public health issues. Several municipalist experiences have addressed these issues and suggested innovative approaches to public policy. This workshop will explore some of these experiences, focusing on potentially common issues and providing concrete solutions and tools.

The municipalist perspective maintains a close link with housing, public heritage and territorial issues, often arising from struggles against housing speculation. Although not all of these experiences have been successful in past years, they represent a significant body of knowledge to be shared and reflected upon. How could municipalist politics learn from past experiences and develop new strategies and practices about them?