43 Congress Session and the election of the new Secretary General

On Tuesday 25 October 2022, during the 43 Congress Session, the representatives of the delegations of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe elected Mathieu Mori as the new Secretary General of the Congress. The latter, as expressed during his campaign, believes that “the Congress must meet the ever-greater need for democracy. Our local and regional authorities are the beating hearts of our democracies, working the most closely with our citizens”

Now, Mori’s position is one of great responsibility at the institutional level, aiming to strengthen democracy in the 46 member states through dialogue between regional authorities and national governments, in consultation with the Council’s ‘Council of Ministers’.

Yet, what is the Congress and what is its mission?

Established in the mid-fifties of the XX century, the 1957 marked the year of the first session of the Conference of Local Authorities in Europe, which then became, in 1983, the “Standing Conference of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe” (CLRAE). Aiming at further foster the role of Local realities and institutions, two years later, in 1985 the CLRAE adopted the “European Charter of Local Self-Government”. 

Only in 1994 the Congress adopted its actual name, thus gaining new responsibility, among which the monitoring of local and regional self-government; and the engagement in peace-restoration initiatives in the former Yugoslavia by setting up “Local Democracy Agencies”. The latter are at the centre of ALDA as well, being locally-based organisations, and promoting initiatives through an innovative method of multilateral decentralised cooperation.

ALDA colleagues are very proud of Valmorbida’s achievements; always committed to place the value of local democracy at the heart of her mission. The Association wishes the best of luck to the just appointed Secretary General of the Congress

As briefly mentioned above, since the very beginning, ALDA has had a strong bond with the Council of Europe, working hand in hand with the institution, while serving as a bridge with local communities. Therefore, Ms. Valmorbida – ALDA Secretary General – decided to further commit herself to the cause, by also running for the position of Secretary General of the Congress.

“I strongly believe in our cause, as the local and regional level are the physical and social places where democracy is built” – explains Valmorbida – “development and inclusive societies. They are the basis on which everything else in governance is built.”

ALDA colleagues are very proud of Valmorbida’s achievements; always committed to place the value of local democracy at the heart of her mission. The Association also wishes the best of luck to the just appointed Secretary General, assuring the collaboration for a more inclusive, equal and democratic society.