Structure and Functioning of Local Government and the European Union

Posted on Sep 6, 2024 in Geography

Item 5: Local Government in Spain

Spain is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous regions. Local autonomy emphasizes self-administration rather than political power, as it lacks legislative authority.

Municipalities

Municipalities enjoy full legal personality. Councilors are elected by residents, and mayors are elected by councilors.

Municipal Districts

The creation or abolition of municipalities is regulated by the state government.

Municipal Population

The municipal population includes residents registered in the municipality and non-residents temporarily residing there.

Municipal Organization

Governing bodies of the municipality include:

  • The Common Organization: Aldermen delegates, commissions, and informative bodies.

Mayor

The mayor’s selection follows this order:

  1. The first council member on the list with the most votes may be eligible.
  2. The mayor is elected by an absolute majority vote of council members.
  3. If no councilman obtains a majority, the alderman heading the list with the highest number of popular votes is proclaimed mayor.
  4. In case of a tie, the decision is made by lot.

Duties of the Mayor

The mayor directs the municipal government, represents the council, convenes and chairs plenary sessions, and directs the Municipal Police.

The Full City Council

The Full City Council comprises all council members and is chaired by the mayor.

Powers of the Full City Council

The Full City Council elects and dismisses the mayor, controls and supervises municipal bodies, approves staff, and adopts and amends budgets.

The Local Governing Board

The Local Governing Board consists of the mayor and a number of council members not exceeding one-third of the total.

Special Commission Accounts (Squares)

Aldermen delegate specific responsibilities to the mayor (e.g., culture, supplies, security, environment).

Commissions Information

Four representatives from political groups are informed about matters requiring decisions.

The Open Council System

Municipalities with fewer than 100 inhabitants operate under the open council system, where the municipal regime comprises a mayor and a neighborhood assembly of all residents. Municipalities with more than 100 inhabitants traditionally follow a different scheme.

Municipal Services

Municipal services are determined by population size:

  • Municipalities with 3,000+ inhabitants: Street lighting, burial services, refuse collection, street cleaning, household water supply, sewerage, paved roads, food and beverage control.
  • Municipalities with 5,000+ inhabitants: All of the above plus a public park, library, market, and waste treatment.
  • Towns with 20,000+ inhabitants: All of the above plus civil protection and fire prevention.
  • Towns with 50,000+ inhabitants: All of the above plus public transport, urban planning, and environmental protection.

The Province

A province is a local entity formed by grouping municipalities. It serves as a constituency for electing deputies. Spain has 50 provinces.

Provincial Government

  • Island County Councils
  • President: Elected by council members.
  • Plenary: Chairman, Vice-Provincial (Directors).
  • Governing Board: A small group representing the council and the full body.
  • Commission, Advisory Committee, and special accounts.
  • The Full Deputation: Elected every 4 years.
  • The President of the Deputation: Represents deputies and heads the government and administration.
  • Island Communities: Island territories have unique administrative characteristics.
  • Islands: Each island has a town hall.

Other Local Authorities

  • Regions: Groupings of municipalities with historical, geographical, and economic connections.
  • Metropolitan Areas: Local authorities comprising large urban municipalities with economic links.
  • Associations of Local Authorities: Voluntary associations of municipalities for joint execution of works or services (e.g., refuse collection, fire services, water supply).

Item 6: European Integration

Robert Schuman’s speech on May 9, 1950 (Schuman Declaration) proposed a European integration model based on:

  • Stable democracy guaranteeing the rule of law.
  • Human rights, protection of minorities, and a market economy.
  • A civil service capable of applying and managing EU standards.

Main Stages of European Construction

  • 1992: Treaty of European Union (Maastricht).
  • 2002: The Euro currency comes into force.

Symbols of the European Union

  • European Flag: Blue with 12 stars.
  • European Anthem: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
  • Europe Day: May 9 (Schuman Declaration).
  • Motto: “Unity in diversity.”
  • Euro: The single European currency.

Structure and Functioning of the European Parliament

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are grouped by political affiliations. The Parliament’s primary roles include:

  • Budgetary Functions
  • Legislative Role: Co-decision procedure – Government proposes, Parliament provides an opinion, Council decides.

European Council

The European Council comprises the heads of state or government of member states and the committee chairperson.

Responsibilities of the European Union

: Responsibility to pass laws. Presidency of the Council: The council’s rotating presidency.
European Union Commission: It exercises the executive power are renewed every five years, members are called commissioners. The committee is made up of one commissioner per country. Performs the following functions. Proposes legislation and international representations.