alkalde

Alkalde is a Basque term that appears in some sources to designate the mayor of a town. In contemporary Basque usage, the standard term for the office is alkate; alkalde is encountered as a historical or dialectal variant in certain texts and regions. The alkalde (mayor) is the head of a municipality’s executive branch and presides over the municipal council, representing the municipality in intergovernmental relations and during official ceremonies.

The mayor’s responsibilities typically include overseeing local services such as urban planning, housing, transportation, sanitation, cultural and social programs, and budget administration, as well as coordinating public safety in conjunction with local police. The office acts as the chief liaison between residents and regional authorities, and it often plays a key role in economic development and community initiatives.

Election and term: In Spain, mayors are elected by the municipal council from among its members following local elections, generally serving a four-year term. The candidate most often comes from the party with the most seats, though coalitions can influence the final selection.

Etymology and variants: The form alkalde is believed to derive from the Spanish alcalde, reflecting historical contact between Basque and Spanish. Modern Basque commonly uses alkate, while alkalde may appear in older charters or in certain dialects.

See also: alkate; alcaldía; mayor; Basque language.