The more the merrier? Strengthening the role of regional governance over the fragmented municipal political system

• Main Authors: Martin Švikruha, Jaroslav Mihálik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Organisation Studies, Novo Mesto 2014-12-01
• Series: Revija za Univerzalno Odličnost
• Online Access: http://www.fos.unm.si/media/pdf/RUO_2014_34_Svikruha.pdf

It is rather difficult to determine the appropriate proportion and size of a single administrative unit from the principle of its effectiveness. This problem occurs in many European countries, including Slovakia and its geopolitical situation. Based on the observation and analysis, the size of local administration units differs significantly from the comparative measures. The paper discusses the problems of high level fragmentation of the Slovak municipal political system where the effectiveness of regional governance is substantial and often plays a dominant role within the decentralization process. Thus, the exclusive powers at local level are partially or to some extent transferred into the regional perspective. Compared to Nordic countries, the region of Central Europe lacks the comprehensive municipalization process so the authors argue about the options of strengthening the competences of regional governments over the local administration.