Genesis and purpose of the Local Reform

Abstract

Local Government has not traditionally occupied a central place in the Spanish political-administrative system. This is in contrast to the great vitality of local governments since the 1980’s, particularly in large and medium-sized Spanish cities. They took on great new responsibilities at a time when the autonomous communities were being consolidated. The result has been the duplicities, overlappings and inefficiencies that restrict the rights of citizens. The current crisis has demonstrated that this is unacceptable. This situation must be resolved by means of systems of coordination, integration and cooperation between the various territorial governments and all those who operate in the community. The Act 27/2013, of the 27th of december for the Rationalization and Sustainability of the Local Administration has been designed to preserve the future of the local Administration, its power and financial stability; to guarantee a set of rights for citizens with respect to their municipalities.