Abstract

The article focuses on theoretical and legal research on the organization of urban governments in Japan and Germany, two countries that represent modern urban governance models worldwide. It clarifies core characteristics such as local autonomy, transparent delineation of authority across levels, and the operational structures of urban governments in these countries. Drawing selectively on theoretical insights derived from this comparative review, the article offers suggestions to improve Vietnam’s urban government model from both theoretical and legal perspectives. The proposals emphasize clearly defining the boundaries between central and urban local governments within the legal system and promoting substantive decentralization of power linked to appropriate budget autonomy, in line with current orientations of reforming local government organization under the guidance of the Party and the State.

Keywords: Decentralisation, delegation of powers, government, urban