Commune

Commune

A commune is the smallest administrative division in many countries, particularly in Europe. The term is derived from the medieval Latin word commūnia, meaning a large gathering of people sharing a common life. Communes are often found in countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. They serve as the basic unit of local government and are responsible for various administrative functions.

History

The concept of the commune dates back to the medieval period, where it was used to describe a community of people living together and sharing resources. In medieval Europe, communes were often established as self-governing entities with their own charters and laws. They played a crucial role in the development of local governance and the decentralization of power.

Functions

Communes typically have a range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Local urban and rural planning
• Management of local public services such as water supply, waste management, and public transportation
• Maintenance of local infrastructure like roads and public buildings
• Provision of social services, including education, healthcare, and welfare
• Local law enforcement and public safety

Governance

The governance structure of a commune can vary significantly from one country to another. Generally, a commune is governed by a mayor and a municipal council. The mayor is usually elected by the residents of the commune and is responsible for the executive functions, while the municipal council is responsible for legislative functions.

France

In France, the commune is the lowest level of administrative division. Each commune has a mayor (maire) and a municipal council (conseil municipal). French communes are known for their high degree of autonomy and play a significant role in local governance.

Italy

In Italy, communes (comuni) are the basic administrative units and are governed by a mayor (sindaco) and a municipal council (consiglio comunale). Italian communes are responsible for a wide range of local services and administrative functions.

Belgium

In Belgium, communes (communes in French, gemeenten in Dutch) are the third-level administrative divisions. They are governed by a mayor (bourgmestre in French, burgemeester in Dutch) and a municipal council (conseil communal in French, gemeenteraad in Dutch).

Switzerland

In Switzerland, communes (Gemeinden in German, communes in French, comuni in Italian) are the smallest administrative units. They have a high degree of autonomy and are responsible for a wide range of local services.

Related Pages

• Municipality
• Local government
• Urban planning
• Public services
• Mayor
• Municipal council