LOCAL AND REGIONAL STRUCTURES IN MALTA
Malta is a unitary state composed of communes and regions.
Local level: 68 local authorities
Local authorities
The local council is elected by universal direct suffrage under the proportional representation system. It has a three-year mandate. The number of councillors varies according to the size of the commune.
The executive secretary is designated by the council for a three-year period. (S)he is the executive, administrative and financial head of the commune. The local council can designate other staff members to assist the executive secretary.
The mayor is the councillor who obtained the highest number of votes within the political party that got the overall majority at the local election. (S)he is elected for a three-year mandate and chairs the local council's meeting. (S)he is at the head of the political arm of the commune and represents the local council.
Competences
. Maintenance of public spaces (parks, sports centres, leisure centres)
. Maintenance of road infrastructure
. Education
. Health
. Preserving public order
. Administrative duties
Regional level : 3 regions
Malta's regions are administrative bodies made of several communes. The three regions are Gozo (14 local councils), Malta Majjistral (29 local councils) and Malta Xlokk (25 local councils).
