European mayors and councillors: Similarities and differences

Abstract

Why compare European mayors and councillors? It can be argued that the Mayor and the local council are the two most important organs of local government. Mayors are the most visible citizens that represent their towns outwardly. Their political significance usually stretches far beyond their formal competencies. Directly elected mayors, in particular, have strong and unchallenged legitimacy. Councils are usually endowed with the authority to decide on municipal budgets, local development plans, municipal property and to pass by-laws. This text, however, does not examine councils as collective entities.