CYPRUS

Local Government System

Introduction

Historical reminder

I/ The local system

A) The local organization

1) The devolved administration

2) The decentralized administration

3) The competences of local authorities

B) The territorial actors

1) The elected members

2) The civil servants

C) Financial means

II/ The local participative democracy

A) The local referendums

B) The public meetings organized by town councils

C) The town councils of the young people

1) A participative institution

2) The modalities of functioning

D) The new technologies of communication and information

1) A national initiative ...

2)... Resumed by the local authorities

E) A very particular example: the city of Limassol

Conclusion

Introduction

The geographic context A small country: 731.000 inhabitants and 9.251 km² Two communities: greek and turkish

The historical and political context Cyprus as an independent state A long-standing conflict still existing between the two

communities Cyprus today Cyprus as a member-state of the European Union

Local Government Structure

General Principles:

Structure: One single level A division by districts

Tight links between central government and

the local communities

The Decentralized Authorities Municipalities (Local Government Act, 1985)

33 municipalities over 5.000 inhabitants

Rural communities (Local Government Act, 1999) 356 rural communities

Local Authorities’ Responsibilities Some residual competences Major responsibilities regarding the inhabitants

municipalities rural communities co-operation is possible

Local Councillors and Local Government Staff

The Local Councillors The conditions for being elected The elected members’ obligations The reparations Central government controls:

by means of the Home Office Ministry by means of central government field services by the Courts

Local Government Staff:

How are they recruited? Appointment submitted to the control of the central

government Civil servants can be hired

What is the link between the elected members and the administration of local authorities?

The officers are subordinated to the mayor Co-ordination is ensured by the Chief Executive

Central Government

Field Services Local Authorities

Ruralcommunities

MunicipalitiesDistricts

Local Councils Local Auhtorities’ Staff

SecrétaireMunicipalChief Executive

District Commissioners

Local Financial Means

Fiscal receipts

Central government grants

Other receipts

LoansLocal Finances in 2005

PIB: 13,5 milliards of Euros

Total public spending (TPS) =43,8% PIB

Local public spending = 1,8% PIB

Local public spending = 15,1% TPS

Local public spending = 0,7% PIB

Conclusion

A state still in the process of decentralization Through its European Union-membership Through recent reforms A persistent supervision by central government