Αυτοδιοίκηση και αποκέντρωση: Προς αναδιάταξη της «ανταγωνιστικής συναλληλίας»;

Abstract

Limited functions, poor financial resources as well as a strong political influence have been characterizing Greek local government up to the 70’s. Many local affairs have been managed by the field administration of the central state, while the political parties have maintained highly centralized structures. Since 1980, several reforms have strengthened local government, by expanding municipal responsibilities, by establishing a second tier (1994) and, finally (1998), by restructuring the first tier through a rigorous reduction from 5.775 down to 1033 units. In the meantime, the central state has reorganized its field administration at the level of the regions. While there is still no clear picture of the «new» administration system, some relevant patterns can be located within the political system. For the time being, «emancipation» of local politics has led into a vicious circle of clientelism and corruption. However, the establishment of effective control-mechanisms in combination with the strengthening of local elected bodies could resolve these problems. Decentralization could, thus, strongly contribute to the renewal of the political system.