However, it must be an odd number, so that the city council has decision-making power – and there is also another rule:
In municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants, the city council must consist of a number of politicians between 19 and 31 – but if the number is below 20,000, it can be between nine and 31.
The North Jutland municipality with the fewest politicians is Læsø – there are only nine of their kind to govern on the island with its approximately 1,800 inhabitants.
Number of politicians in the North Jutland city councils
Hørring: 31
Aalborg: 31
Frederikshavn: 29
Mariagerfjord: 29
Jammerbugt: 27
Brønderslev 27
This place: 27
Vesthimmerland 27
Reimage 25
Mors: 21
Læsø: 9
But yet another North Jutland municipality has now had a population below 20,000 – and here the politicians must decide whether they are prepared to reduce the number.
Two treatments
It concerns Morsø Municipality, where the population per 1 November is calculated at 19,575.
On November 26, the island municipality’s 21 politicians must decide whether it will be even more difficult for them to be elected in the municipal elections in a year’s time – as early as November 20, the finance committee will consider the matter, according to the agenda.
Population development in Morsø Municipality.
If it ends up that there are to be fewer politicians in Morsø Municipality, then this requires an amendment to Morsø Municipality’s governing statute – and this requires two political processes, which must be completed no later than 1 August 2025 in order to take effect for the election period 2026 to 2029 .
Earlier this year, the politicians received a presentation from a municipal researcher on the consequences of reducing the number of city council members.
The price of a mandate.
2024-11-17 20:47:00
#politicians #fire #Population #figures #North #Jutland #municipality #cross #crucial #limit
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of reducing the number of council members in Morsø Municipality?
**Interview with Mayor Susanne Thomsen of Morsø Municipality**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Thomsen. There have been discussions around reducing the number of politicians in Morsø Municipality due to the recent population decline. Can you explain the current situation?
**Mayor Thomsen:** Thank you for having me. Yes, that is correct. As of November 1st, our population is at 19,575, which puts us just under the 20,000 mark. This means we could potentially reduce our city council from 21 members to a number between nine and 31, according to the law governing municipalities in Denmark.
**Editor:** That’s a significant change. What factors will influence the decision on whether to reduce the number of council members?
**Mayor Thomsen:** Our primary concern is ensuring effective governance while also reflecting the size of our community. On November 26th, we will be discussing this issue among the council. We need to consider how fewer politicians could impact our decision-making power and representation in the municipality.
**Editor:** How do you believe this change might affect local governance and future elections?
**Mayor Thomsen:** Reducing the number of politicians could make it more challenging for individuals to get elected in future elections. However, smaller councils can also streamline decision-making processes. We’ll need to weigh the benefits of having a more efficient council against the importance of diverse representation for our citizens.
**Editor:** Are there any precedents or examples from other municipalities that you are looking to for guidance?
**Mayor Thomsen:** Yes, Læsø Municipality is a notable example, as they currently operate with just nine council members for about 1,800 residents. Their experience will be valuable as we consider how a smaller council functions. Ultimately, we want to make a decision that’s in the best interest of Morsø residents.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mayor Thomsen, for sharing your insights. It’s a complex issue, and we’ll be following the developments closely.
**Mayor Thomsen:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter. We want to make sure that whatever decision is reached reflects the will and needs of our community.