The transformation of urban political leadership in Western Europe (symposium)
Abstract
In the two decades since the early 1980s, Western European local political executives and how they operate have changed, sometimes profoundly. Most notable has been the shift toward the direct election of mayors in a number of countries, such as Germany,Italy and Norway; and also England, when municipalities decide to. Along with stronger collegial bodies in some Nordic countries and the reinforced status of mayors in France and Spain, these phenomena suggest that reformers have promoted and adopted stronger styles of urban leadership and have sought to strengthen the local executive function. [first paragraph of the introduction]