Istanbul City Councils

The Municipal Council

The council is the ultimate decision making organ of this body. One-fifth of its members is composed of district and lower-tier municipalities within the metropolitan boundaries who have received the most number of votes and the mayors of these municipalities. The council is chaired by the metropolitan mayor. The council's term lasts five years.

The Metropolitan Council has the power to discuss and approve certain decisions of district municipalities in addition to its own duties. For example, the district budgets accepted by the district municipalities are discussed and may be amended by the Metropolitan Council in order to ensure the integrity between investments and services. It may also take directory and regulatory decisions that provide solidarity, unity, and conformity among the overall integrity of the metropolis in services carried out by the district municipalities.

ROLE OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

The Municipal Council acts according to the reference law no: 3030, article 10. A single council should be elected to run the city and should be known as the competent authority for all decisions regarding local services Council membership should be a professional quality and council members should be paid for their work.

Having just one council will remove problems regarding coordination and areas of authority, and will lead to more adequate, efficient and effective decision-making. For this reason, "District Special Management" should be established. In addition in order to have more effective service, the authority of central government departments with the city limits which give local service should be turned over to the council.

For this reason, a strong council is needed. The city's problems should be diagnosed and solved by this council. In order o able to fulfil its job in an effective and productive manner, this council should be able to pass laws regarding the city's problems which should be binding on neighborhood officials. Strategic and operational plans regarding the solution of city's problems should be prepared and the problem of finding resources should be resolved. When necessary, the council should be able to pass taxes and impose a tax on the same ratio.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Head Office: +90 212-455 1300