The reform of the system of management of the cities of Galicia in 1889 in the context of regional policy of the Austria-Hungary

Abstract

In the article it has been analyzed the specifics of the functioning of self-government bodies of the cities of Galicia in the second half of XIX century. It is proved that the law of 1889 facilitated the formation of elected bodies of self-government. It was indicated that the law of 1889 significantly expanded the rights of urban self-government. Compared to the previous laws (1862 s 1866), which concerned the big cities of Lviv and Krakow, the new law already includes 30 towns.  Particular attention has been focused on functional responsibilities of public council and magistrate. They had the regulatory with supervisory and administrative executive functions respectively. A constant value membership of public council was set at 36, regardless of the number of residents. The head of both organization was burgomaster.  His credentials included: organize the work of the council, sign documents, disciplinary control and representation of the city before the higher authorities.  In return, the regional authorities have supervised that the bodies of self-government have not exceeded powers and has not violated the law. The innovation in 1889 caused by political motives and the need to increase the efficiency of self-governing bodies, elimination of shortcomings in their work. Among them: the fight against the absenteeism and the indifference of elected people, the creation of a managerial hierarchy between the Council and the magistrate, the creation of special control commissions, the audit of municipal finances, and the improvement of clerical management. The changes made it possible to extend the impact of cities on Galicia's socio-economic life.

Keywords: Self-government, Magistrate, Burgomaster, Municipal Enterprises.