Spain

In general terms, the Spanish system of local government under the current Constitution (1978) is relatively stable. Various economic crises and social and political changes (such as the emergence of new political parties at the state, regional, and local levels) have brought about several adjustments in the local government system, but have not modified its pillars. Although both state and autonomous communities (regions) tend to reduce local autonomy, this reduction has not been dramatic yet. The constraints on local governments are mainly relevant in financial matters, in which since 2012 state and regional controls on local authorities have significantly increased to ensure the balance and sustainability of local budgets. Currently, the most urgent reforms concern the second tier of local government (provinces), whose contours are not clearly set out either in the Constitution or in the general laws, and the rural municipalities, many of which are continuously losing population and are at risk of disappearing.