consejerías

Consejerías are government offices in Spanish-speaking countries that provide policy leadership and administration in specific areas. The term comes from consejo (council) and asesorar (to advise). In many contexts it refers to the executive departments of a regional or national government, functioning similarly to ministries at the national level.

In Spain, for example, autonomous communities organize their executive power into Consejerías: each is headed by a Consejero or Consejera and is responsible for areas such as education, health, culture, or finance. The exact competences and organizational structure vary by community; the term is used for regional departments, while at the national level the equivalent unit is usually called a Ministerio.

In other Spanish-speaking countries, the use of consejerías can be historical or varies by country; some governments use Consejería to designate a ministry-like department, while others primarily use Secretaría or Ministerio. Outside the governmental sense, consejerías can also refer to advisory or counseling services, such as in schools or social services, where the office or department provides guidance to students or citizens.

Plural consejerías denotes multiple such offices or departments, whether in regional governments or other organizations with advisory functions. The term appears in official documents and legislation naming specific departments, such as Consejería de Educación or Consejería de Salud.