Local Self-Government
This domain tests municipal autonomy and its limits.
Core rules
Local self-government is exercised by municipalities through elected municipal councils. Councils are elected for four years, and mayors are directly elected. Municipal institutions adopt local decisions, administer local services and have their own budgets. Local autonomy is not sovereignty: municipal acts must conform to the Constitution and national law. State institutions may review the legality of municipal acts, but not replace the council’s political choices.
Finance and supervision
Municipal budgets are separate from the state budget, but local taxes and compulsory charges require a legal basis. State supervision focuses on legality, not on substituting the municipality’s policy preferences.
Worked example. A municipal council adopts a local fee without any national law authorising it. The fee is invalid: local self-government can manage local affairs, but a compulsory payment needs a statutory basis and cannot be created by a council resolution alone.
Traps. Municipalities are sovereign - false. Mayors are appointed by the Government - false; they are directly elected. Local taxes may be invented by council vote - false. State supervision means the Government can decide local policy - false; review is for legality.