The Values of Local Self-Government and the Problem of Coerced Amalgamations

Arguments of functional efficiency - embodied in terms such as 'economies of scale' - have had a profound impact on local government reforms in most advanced democracies. Subsequently, many countries have implemented large-scale amalgamation reforms. Debates before such reforms typically revolve around the classic question of size and democracy – if democracy suffers and/or if economies of scale are realised. Few have, however, delved deeper into the more fundamental issue on the moral problem of coerced amalgamations. Oftentimes, governments do not hesitate to carry through amalgamations against the will of municipalities who wish to remain unaffected by the reforms. We present a normative defense of strong local self-government, partly based on values of individual autonomy, partly on group-based human rights. Coerced amalgamations are at odds with these values, and ultimately, we conclude that if one accepts the principles of individual autonomy and local self-determination, one should be wary of the tendency of central governments to use coercion when implementing amalgamation reforms.