LOCAL STRUCTURES IN BULGARIA
Bulgaria is a unitary state and parliamentary republic composed of municipalities (obshtina).
Local level: 264 municipalities (obshtina)
Local authorities
The municipality (obshtina) is Bulgaria's main administrative and territorial entity. It is an independent legal entity with its own property and budget. Most municipalities in Bulgaria are divided into districts, the average number of districts being 26 and the highest number being 134.
The municipal council (obchtinski savet) is the municipality's deliberative body. Its members are elected by direct universal suffrage for a four-year term. Members of the municipal council (between 11 and 51 councillors) elect their president amongst its members. The president convenes and chairs the council and coordinates the commissions' work.
The mayor (kmet) is the municipality's executive body. He/she is elected by direct universal suffrage based on a majority system for a four-year term. His/her role is to manage, coordinate, and implement policies adopted by the municipal council. The mayor also represents the municipality and is responsible for its administration.
Local competences
. School management
. Health
. Social services
. Culture
. Public Services
. Sports and leisure
. Water supply and sewage
. Household refuse
. Road maintenance at the local level
