Administrative organisation

The system of the "fueros" in Álava/Araba

For centuries the Basque provinces have had their own system of organisation and administration, laid down in a set of laws known as the "fueros". Within that context Álava/ Araba is divided up administratively according to a system dating back to the early 16th century, the spirit of which has been maintained through many changes over the years.

This districts into which the province is divided are known as cuadrillas. Each cuadrilla has a President and a Governing Board which handle matters of organisation and provision of services.

The current boundaries of the cuadrillas in the province of Álava/ Araba were drawn in 1983. In all there are seven Zuia, Añana, Ayala, Campezo-Montaña Alavesa, Laguardia-Rioja Alavesa, Salvatierra and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Governed by the Regional Regulation 63/1989, of 20 November, concerning the local areas of Álava.

Each cuadrilla is made up of several municipalities or town halls which are in charge of collecting taxes, implementing general regulations, providing services, acting as intermediaries in dealings with higher level bodies, carrying out public works, etc. The cuadrilla of Zuia is made up of the municipalities of Aramaio, Arrazua-Ubarrundia, Legutiano, Urkabustaiz, Zigoitia and Zuia.

The President and Governing Board of each cuadrilla are elected every four years, immediately after the municipal elections, from among the officers elected to each town council.

The lowest level of local administration is that of the Local Councils, which deal with matters of public property at a local level without the intervention of higher bodies. Each such council is headed by a local mayor, and their meetings are open to all residents interested in discussing local affairs. Council meetings are, however, held in closed session in the larger towns. These councils are much liked by the local people, who see them as more closely related to their own needs and more responsive to their own participation.