Transformation of Territorial Organization of Local Self-Governance in the Irkutsk Region: Based on the Materials of the Round Table Discussion within the Framework of the II International Baikal Forum

Abstract

The new step in the ongoing local self-governance reform today once again forces us to reassess the role and significance of the institution of local self-governance in Russia. The current stage involves searching for a new and more effective model of territorial organization of local self-government. In February 2022, a draft law "On the general principles of organization of local self-governance in a unified system of public authority" was submitted for consideration to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The key point of the draft law concerning the territorial organization of local self-governance is a return to a one-tier system with the fundamental principle of being "based on the population" rather than on the territory. The results of the round table discussion "Transformation of territorial local self-governance in a unified system of public authority and other relevant issues of local self-governance" held on April 22, 2022 within the framework of II International Baikal Forum are given. Amendments to the draft law were proposed, which would consolidate and strengthen the constitutional foundations and principles of local self-governance in accordance with the regional specifics regarding development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.