The role of intermediate local governments in the Spanish model of territorial organization of competences

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of intermediate local governments in the Spanish model of territorial organization of competences. It evaluates the territorial dimension of intermediate local governments; their important task unifying and coordinating public services, particularly, the coordination of 6825 municipalities with less than 5000 people; the relevance of their economic health; or the juridical-political complexity in the case we decide to eliminate them. After a careful analysis, the main conclusion of this article is that intermediate local governments are still useful. The key point entails their modernization aimed at protecting the equality of citizens regardless of their place of residence.

Keywords:

budget analysis, dimension, territorial balance, modernization