Transforming Local Political Leadership

Abstract

Declining turnout and a growing demand for citizen participation in Europe and elsewhere have, in recent years, prompted the adoption of new and more interactive forms of governance. Some countries have experimented with local referendums and citizen panels, while in others reform strategies have been confined to increasing delegation from the council to executive board or the administration. Interactive policy making is designed to invigorate local democracy, but the main features of these initiatives focus on institutional reforms to streamline decision making within town halls and provide a more focused leadership through strengthened roles for mayors and councillors. This panel will address new forms of political leadership that range from concentrating political authority in a cabinet-style system, to introducing parliamentary models that allow municipalities to experiment with the direct election of mayors. Some parts of the continent have witnessed moves to strong mayoral systems, while contrasting moves are apparent in other places marking a return to the traditional committee-based system. The panel will examine the consequences of the reforms and consider the ways in which they are transforming political leadership in local government. Before drafting a paper proposal contact the panel chairs.

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