Reconstruction of Local Government in East Germany Following German Unification

In this chapter deals with the historically unparalleled system change and political, institutional and functional transformation which East Germany’s local government level has undergone following the German Unification. Among the unique features, inter alia, stands out that the multi-dimensional institutional transition from the centralist Socialist government regime to democratically elected local government was achieved strikingly fast and that the East German local authorities and their personnel proved, in a surprisingly short time, to be capable to effectively act and perform in an entirely changed legal and institutional frame and environment.