LOCAL AND REGIONAL STRUCTURES IN DENMARK
Denmark is a unitary state composed of municipalities (kommuner) and regions (regioner).
Local level: 98 municipalities (kommuner)
The municipal council is composed of members elected for four years by a system of proportional representation, with vote splitting (electors can compose their own list by choosing candidates from different lists). This deliberative body appoints members of the executive commissions.
The executive commissions are in charge of local administration. Permanent commissions assist the municipal council in the preparation of its decisions. The municipal council is obliged to set up a financial committee but may also set up special committees.
The mayor is elected for four years by the council. The mayor heads the whole administration and the municipal council.
Competences
• Primary schools and special education
• Local taxation
• Child care
• Culture
• Sport
• Public and social services
• Health care
• Employment
• Business service
• Collective transport and roads
• Nature, environment and planning
• Cross-functional citizen service
Regional level: 5 regions
The regional council is the governing body of the region. It is composed of 41 members directly elected for four years periods.
The regional council chairman is the head of the regional council. He is elected by the regional council.
The executive committee is elected by the regional council. It is composed of 11-19 members. The regional council can decide to establish ad-hoc committees to assist and advise the council in its work.
Competences
The tasks of the regions include health care, operation of social and special education institutions, and regional development:
• Health
• Somatic hospital service
• Health insurance
• Mental health treatment
• Social services and special education
• Operation of institutions for exposed groups
• Regional development
• Business promotion
• Tourism
• Nature and environment
• Employment
• Education and culture
• Development in remote areas and in rural districts
• Soil pollution, raw material mapping and planning
• Public transport
Finances
The regions can not levy taxes directly; they are financed through contributions from the state and the municipalities. The economy of the regions is divided into three separate parts: health; social services and special education; regional development.
Notes
Greenland and the Faeroe Islands have an autonomous status. They both have their own government and legislative assembly.
