síndic

Síndic is a title used in Catalan-speaking regions and other Romance-language contexts to denote an official who represents a community, defends its interests, or oversees its accounts. The word comes from Latin syndicus, through the French syndic, and entered Catalan usage in medieval legal and administrative practice. Historically, a síndic was a representative charged with managing and safeguarding communal affairs, a role later specialized into contemporary offices such as ombudsperson, auditor, or legislative speaker.

In modern institutions, the síndic term appears in several official roles. Síndic de Greuges, also known as the ombudsperson of Catalonia, is an independent official who handles complaints about public authorities and can make recommendations, with regular reports on its activities. Síndic de Comptes is the public auditor for Catalonia, an independent body that audits the accounts of the Generalitat and other public-sector entities and publishes reports and opinions. Síndic General d’Andorra is the presiding officer of the General Council, the Andorran parliament, responsible for overseeing procedures and representing the chamber.

Usage and scope vary by jurisdiction. In historical contexts, síndics acted as municipal or guild representatives in legal matters; in contemporary governance, the term often designates specialized offices with oversight, accountability, or leadership functions. The concept has cognates in other languages and remains a general reference to a steward, advocate, or guardian of a community’s interests.

See also: ombudsman, comptroller, speaker of a legislative body.