People's Council

the name of local organs of state power in Albania, Bulgaria, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), and Rumania.

People’s councils are elected directly by the people through universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot for three years in Albania, 21/2 years in Bulgaria, three and two years in the SRV, and four years in Rumania. A people’s council exercises state power over the administrative unit concerned. Within the limits of its jurisdiction, it directs and controls economic enterprises, organizations, and institutions located in its territory; manages the local economy, cultural affairs, social security, local utilities, education, and public health; and provides for the protection of citizens’ rights, public order, and socialist legality. [17–839–2; updated]