PUBLIC CONTROL AS A MECHANISM OF INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE SPHERE OF ROAD MANAGEMENT OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes the mechanism of public control as an important tool for influencing public administration in Ukraine. It examines the theoretical aspects of public control as an essential component of a democratic society and defines its main objectives: consideration of public interests, increasing accountability and transparency of government bodies. The paper reviews current research by scholars like Yu. Nironka, T. Gzhibovska, O. Zaika, and Z. Tovstik who have explored various aspects of public control in Ukraine, including its role during martial law and the influence of civic organizations on public management decisions. The key mechanisms of public control are thoroughly discussed, including participation in public councils, access to public information, public monitoring and expertise, citizens’ appeals, information campaigns, and international initiatives like the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST). The article identifies the main effectiveness issues of public control in two categories: those dependent on government authorities (lack of clear mechanisms for considering results, formal approach to public initiatives, non-transparent budget allocation, engagement of loyal rather than independent civic organizations), and those dependent on civil society (limited financial resources, fragmentation of public initiatives, insufficient level of technical competence, episodic rather than systematic monitoring). Proposes several ways to overcome these challenges while considering the practical realities of their implementation in Ukraine, including legislative improvements, mechanisms of real influence on decision-making, technical and expert support, and institutional strengthening of public control. Special attention is given to the road infrastructure sector as an example of a public domain that serves social needs, results from collective activity, is regulated by social norms, and significantly impacts social relations, making it an appropriate area for public control application.