Abstract:

In the shaping of local governance units, the influence of multiple parameters, such as the historical, social, economic and cultural characteristics of their countries, leads to the differentiation of local governance systems. In this context, Anglo-Saxon, Northern and Central European, and French models have been put forward to explain the local government systems of European countries. However, these models were insufficient to explain the local government systems of the eastern countries. In order to eliminate the said deficiency, a study was conducted by Swianiewicz (2014) in which the local government systems of 19 Eastern European countries were examined. However, Azerbaijan has not been dealt with comprehensively and satisfactorily in the study. From this point of view, the aim of this study is to evaluate which model(s) the local government structure and center-local relations of Azerbaijan, one of the Eastern European countries, are compatible with in the context of the local government system. In the review, it has been reached that the local government system in Azerbaijan generally has the characteristics of the Eastern European model. In addition, with the Northern and Central European model in terms of the existing local government structure to have constitutional guarantee; it has been determined that the local units are similar to the French model in terms of being limited by government acts as well as legislation while using their powers and duties.

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