Participatory budgeting in Russia in conditions of economic instability

Abstract

Subject. The article considers theoretical and methodological aspects of participatory budgeting development in Russia. Objectives. The aim is to substantiate the effects of using the participatory budgeting under economic instability. Methods. The study draws on general scientific methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison, and analogy), and special methods of cognition (comparison of theoretical and practical material, expert method, systematization, and classification). Results. Changes in methodological aspects of budget planning significantly affected the implementation of budget policy. Budget planning is influenced by internal and external factors, and by entities with which public legal entities have to interact at the subnational level. The paper focuses on financial aspects of participatory budgeting, like the total amount of funding for participatory budgeting projects, the average cost per project, the number of funded projects, sources of funding. I investigated options for including participatory budgeting in the budget process of Russian regions and municipalities and identified two main ones used by public legal entities. Conclusions. The study substantiates why participatory budgeting is advisable to apply in conditions of economic instability and uncertainty. It highlights the effects of the development of participatory budgeting practices and specifics of their implementation at the municipal level. The findings can be useful for public authorities, local governments, and those involved in participatory budgeting.