The local government council (Junta de gobierno local) is the main executive body. It is composed of elected municipal councillors appointed by the mayor. Their main duties are to assist the mayor but include some executive functions as well.
The mayor (Alcalde) is the head of the executive body. (S)he is appointed by and within the councillors, is assisted by councillors which (s)he nominates and can dismiss. The mayor chairs the municipal council.
Competences
. In every municipality: household refuse, water supply, street lighting, urban traffic control, food and drinks control, cemetery, street cleaning and paving, sewer system.
. In municipalities of over 5.000 inhabitants: (in addition to the above-mentioned) public libraries, green areas, household refuse and markets, local police
. In municipalities of over 20.000 inhabitants: (in addition to the above-mentioned) social services, fire prevention, sporting facilities.
. In municipalities of over 50.000 inhabitants: (in addition to the above-mentioned) public transport and protection of the environment.
Intermediary level: 50 Provinces (Provincias)
Provincial authorities
The provincial council (Diputación Provincial) is composed of members elected by indirect universal suffrage, by and from among the province municipal councillors (Concejales), for a four-year term. The provincial councils elect the President.
The government council (Comisión de Gobierno) is the provincial government. This body is composed of the president and the deputies designated by her/him.
The president is elected by the provincial council; (s)he holds the executive power, and heads the government and the administration. The president appoints the vice-presidents within the provincial council. (S)he is assisted by the government commission.
Competences
. Coordination of municipal services
. Legal, economic and technical aid to municipalities
. Provision of supra-municipal services
. Development and administration of the province
Regional level: 17 Autonomous Communities (Comunidades autonómas) and 2 autonomous cities (Ciudades autónomas)
Regional authorities
The assembly (Parlamento, Juntas, Cortes, Asamblea regional, Deputies, Procuradores...) is the deliberative body of the community. Its members are elected by direct universal suffrage for a four-year term. They exercise devolved legislative power.
The regional government council (Consejo de Gobierno) is the executive body of the Community. It is headed by the president who appoints its members. It can also regulate and initiate legislation.
The president is elected by the assembly. The president manages and coordinates the work of the council. (S)he also represents the autonomous Community to the State.
Competences
. Organisation of the institutions
. Land development
. Public works
. Economy
. Agriculture
. Culture
. Social policies
. Environmental management
. Development of economical activities
. Health
. Education
Note : The Autonomous Communities can create their own police.
The two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla) are special administrative units, halfway between a municipality and an autonomous community. Unlike the independent communities, they do not have their own legislative assembly.
