The directly-elected mayor in the German Länder—introduction, implementation and impact

In the early 1990s, all German L�nder (states) introduced direct election of executive mayors, along with the procedures to recall a sitting mayor by local referendum. This paper looks at the context and causes of this major institutional change and its impact on local politics. Although the directly-elected executive mayor has risen to a dominant position, effective institutional and political checks and balances are in place to prevent misuse of power. Finally, the German reforms are compared with other European countries.