Alcalde

Alcalde ( German: Alcalde ) is the Spanish post of mayor of the city. Mayors of other towns are called in Spain Alcalde pedáneo.

In German, the title is used in German and Spanish spelling, especially in operas and films as non- translation from Spanish, for example, in The Force of Destiny by Verdi and in Der Corregidor by Wolf. In former Spanish colonies in Latin America, the local chief judge is still known as " Alcalde Mayor"; for example in Venezuela or Panama.

Just as "judge" appears in German as a surname, comes " Alcalde " in Spanish -speaking countries as a house name before.

Historical term

The historical roots of the term dates back to the Middle Ages. The name comes from the Arabic Alcalde القاضي / al -Qadi /, the judge '. In the 11th century the kings created in northern Spain, the establishment of the alcalde, as a judge to the Court in the cities. These alcaldes were appointed directly by the king. One of the first rights of free cities was to choose their own alcaldes from the center of the citizenry. In the 15th and 16th century, the first city councils were formed ( consejos municipales, cabildos or Ayuntamiento ) in Spain. The decision-making power went from the town hall meeting on the representation of citizens over. These representations consisted of a hand from the Regidores or Concejales, the citizens' representatives, but also from the officers of the city, such as the alguacil, the chief of police or court enforcement officers, the Escribanos, the town clerks and, indeed, the Alcalde, the elected judges. In these meetings, the alcalde was in the chair. So the official title of the actual activity of the judge changed the position as Chairman of the City Council, and thus the city administration. In Spain, the Alcalde has today no functions in the field of jurisprudence.

Alcalde in present-day Spain

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Spain from 1978 guarantees local self-government in Article 140. In the same article stipulates that the members of the municipal council be determined equal, free, direct and secret ballot in general by the local citizens and the mayor is elected by the members of the municipal council or directly by the citizens. Local elections are held every four years in Spain.

The details for the election of the mayor is governed by Article 196 of the Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General ( LOREG ). After the election of the mayor in the inaugural meeting of the council is carried out. There is only one ballot. Can run only the council members who stood in the election for municipal council on the first place of the list of their party or group of voters (ie, the " top candidates "). Achieved in choosing a candidate the absolute majority of the legal number of members of the council, this is elected mayor. If, no absolute majority is the top candidate to that list, with the most votes are eliminated in the election for council, appointed mayor.

Only in communities where no council exists, but its function is perceived by the population Assembly ( Concejo abierto ), the mayor is elected directly by the people on the day of the general elections.

The Law 7/1985, of 2 April, which regulates the basics of local government in Spain, the tasks of the Alcaldes are set out in Article 21. These are, among others:

  • He heads the municipal administration
  • He represents the city administration
  • He presides over the meetings of the City Council
  • He manages, monitors and initiates the urban services and works.
  • He led the public information
  • He is responsible for the city budget
  • He is the disciplinary authority for city employees
  • He is head of the local police
  • He leads in disasters the necessary assistance
  • He appoints his deputies

Swell

  • La Constitución Española de 1978
  • Ley 7/1985, de 2 de abril, regulators Dora de las Bases del Régimen local.
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