La frustrada reforma municipal de 1867 en Navarra [The thwarted municipal reform of 1867 in Navarre]

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the 1867 municipal reform attempt in Navarre, which sought to suppress councils with fewer than 200 inhabitants under state law. The methodology relies on the study of documentary sources from the Royal and General Archive of Navarre, examining the administrative draft, local claims, and reports from the Provincial Council and the Deputation. The study concludes that the reform was thwarted not only by the 1868 Revolution but also by a firm defense of foral autonomy and the 1841 Law. This allowed Navarrese institutions to reaffirm their exclusive competence over the municipal map, shielding it from general state legislation.