The Belgian and Dutch response to COVID-19: change and stability in the mayors’ position

How did Belgian and Dutch mayors experience their own role that of local government during the first few months COVID-19 outbreak? This question was addressed by drawing on three analytical perspectives (functional, territorial, political) systems using a qualitative case study design. Interestingly, position leeway not differ much crisis months. The type virus scope outbreak necessitated centralised approach. Consequently, decisions were made at national level focused primarily implementing these central measures. Moreover, experienced similar shift in terms (1) power authority (respectively to provincial governor regional mayor level); (2) tasks (prioritising management over other tasks); (3) roles (increasing importance executive while lamenting effects social vis-à-vis citizens).