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In 2000, a new metropolitan government was set up in London, headed by a mayor elected by direct universal suffrage and a local assembly. These new institutions, created to focus on issues concerning competition and the city’s social cohesion, were given broad competencies while having little means to exercise them efficiently. Moreover, numerous difficulties have been encountered: points of friction with the Boroughs, which have competencies in related areas and, due to insufficient powers and personnel, the mayor’s dependence on other levels of government.