Embarking on an exploration into participatory democracy, our study delves into how local politicians influence the design, process, and short-term results of participatory initiatives. We navigate diverse participatory projects, distinguishing between those deeply embedded in local policymaking and those operating independently. Our focus is on unraveling nuanced perceptions of politicians' own impact on design, process, and short-term results. The study differentiates between opposition and majority role, along with executive and legislative council members. Societally, the study taps into the tension between representation and participation, examining how politicians navigate this dynamic. Methodologically, in-depth interviews of a diverse group of local politicians were conducted. The study contributes to understanding complex relationships between politicians and participatory democracy, shedding light on factors shaping their perceived influence.
