Önkormányzata

Önkormányzata is the local self-government body of a municipality in Hungary. It represents the level of public administration closest to residents and is established through elections according to national law. The concept embodies the principle of local self-government, whereby communities have autonomy to manage affairs of local significance within the framework set by the state.

The core organs of an önkormányzat typically include a képviselő-testület (representative body) and an executive led by a polgármester (mayor), often with alpolgármesterek (deputy mayors) and a jegyző (notary) who coordinates administration. The representative body adopts local regulations, approves budgets, and oversees the municipality’s operations, while the mayor executes decisions and directs day-to-day administration.

Responsibilities of an önkormányzat cover a range of local matters. These commonly include provision and maintenance of local public services and infrastructure, urban planning and housing, local transport and roads, waste management and environmental protection, cultural and social services, and the promotion of local economy anddevelopment. The self-government also manages municipal property and records, represents the municipality in legal matters, and collaborates with higher levels of government on tasks assigned by national law.

Funding for local self-government comes from a mix of local revenues (such as taxes and fees), state subsidies, and targeted grants. Tasks and powers are defined by national legislation on local governments, which regulates the scope of autonomous decision-making as well as the relationship with central authorities. The structure and functions of önkormányzat can vary between villages, towns, and cities, and may differ in large urban areas with district-level self-government.