községtestület

kőzségtestület is the village council, the representative body of a község (village) in Hungary. It functions as the legislative organ of the village’s local self-government, making decisions on matters within the powers granted by law and the village’s needs. The council is composed of elected representatives whose number depends on the population, as determined by applicable regulations. Council members are elected for a term of four years in local elections.

The primary duties of the községtestület include enacting local regulations (rendeletek) on issues within its competence, approving the village budget and annual accounts, and authorizing development and investment plans. It also decides on local charges and taxes within statutory limits and supervises the operation of the village administration, including the mayor and the administrator. To handle complex matters, the council may establish committees or working groups.

Meetings of the községtestület are held regularly and are generally open to the public; decisions are taken by majority vote. The mayor serves as the executive head of the village, and the council exercises oversight over the mayor and the local administration, requesting information and explanations as needed.

Legal framework for the községtestület is provided by the national local self-government laws, which specify the composition, powers, election procedures, and procedures for decision-making. The council’s work is aimed at ensuring local democratic governance, accountability of the executive, and the effective administration of village affairs in line with residents’ needs.