Taking the initiative and making decisions

A proposal concerning changes in municipal boundaries can be made by individual residents or the local councils of the municipalities concerned, though only a local council can take the initiative on changes leading to the establishment of a new municipality or a reduction in their number. The proposal should be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, which does the preparatory work on the matter and asks the State Provincial Office concerned to give an opinion. The final power of decision on matters pertaining to changes in the number of municipalities rests with the Government though the Ministry can decide on adjustments in municipal boundaries if all local councils involved agree. The Ministry can also reject the proposal if any of the municipalities concerned is against it. Changes in municipal boundaries will come into force at the beginning of a calendar year.

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