gemeinderat

Gemeinderat is the elected municipal council in many German-speaking countries. It is typically the central local government body, with powers and organization that vary by country and region. In general, the council handles policy-making, budgeting and oversight of the administration, and represents the municipality externally.

In Austria, the Gemeinderat is the legislative body of a municipality. Members are elected for fixed terms in local elections; the council passes local ordinances, approves the budget and long-term plans, and typically appoints the head of administration. The mayor is usually elected separately.

In Germany, many states use the term for the municipal council. It is elected by residents and acts as the legislature; it approves budgets, local statutes and plans. The mayor or a separate administrative head executes the council’s decisions.

In Switzerland, the Gemeinderat is typically the executive council of a municipality, usually five to fifteen members who run the administration and propose budgets and ordinances. The legislative function is carried out by a separate body, such as the Gemeindeversammlung (in smaller municipalities) or the Grosser Gemeinderat (in larger towns).

Common features across systems include public meetings, published minutes, and committee work (finance, planning, social services) to prepare proposals for the full council. The exact powers of a Gemeinderat depend on national and cantonal or state constitutions and on the municipality’s own statutes.