Regional Parliaments Research Articles

15 years of the Colorrectal Cancer Screening Programme. Decreasing inequalities

Abstract Background The Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Programme approved in 2008 by the Regional Parliament and carried out in 2009 a pilot study inviting to residents 50-69 years old (586,700), through a biennial Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), colonoscopy in FIT positive. The Programme Coordinating Centre sends FIT by post and involves Primary Care and Endoscopy departments in process and results control. In 2013, 100% coverage was reached, and in 2023 more than 80% were invited more than 6 times. However, inequalities in participation were detected: by age, gender, deprivation and vulnerability. Since 2014, different strategies have been carried out in order to decrease with the commitment of authorities, researchers and associations. Objectives To describe strategies and results to decrease inequalities in participation Results From the pilot participation rate increased (p < 0.001) 58.1% to 72.0% in 2023. Inequalities by gender (69.4 men vs 74.4% women) and deprivation index were detected (55.7/1000 lower vs high 41.0/1000). The non-adherence to colonoscopy was 5% along the period. Training, and communication campaigns developed. 2016-2017 special recruitment for imprisoned and mental health patients increasing participation rate (9.3 to 97.1%). In 2021 and ongoing: thanks to Resilience Funds (European Union), strategies were implemented: SMS specific by sex, research health literacy, studying CRC behavior by sex in FIT sensitivity 85.4% (CI95% 84.2-86.7) in men and 80.9% (CI95% (79. -82.6) in women p < 0.001 Conclusions The governance and involvement of professionals, researchers and patient associations crucial to decrease inequalities. The Basque Programme achieved one of the highest participation rate. Investment in reducing barriers will probably impact on the reduction of incidence and mortality. Key messages • A population based CRC Screening Programme reduces incidence and mortality on participants. • Intervention to increase participation reduces inequities and is crucial on Public Health policies.

Building Political Agreements in Democracy

This special issue analyzes the factors that influence political conflict and consensus in the parliaments of advanced democracies, with a focus on Spain. The articles in this issue utilize original data on legislation passed since 1977, both at the national level and in regional parliaments, along with surveys of parliamentary elites and citizens, and they present revealing findings. For example, it is shown that parliamentary agreement is more frequent than is generally acknowledged in the media and that, paradoxically, the most divided and fragmented parliaments show a greater tendency to cooperate. However, factors such as increasing affective polarization and populist attitudes among parliamentarians pose significant challenges for the future of legislative agreement.

“The People’s Garibaldi”: Twentieth-Century Politics of a Risorgimento Icon

Garibaldi epitomizes the Italian Risorgimento also on an iconographical level. With particular reference to Sicily in the 20th century, this article aims at analyzing first some aspects of an often thaumaturgical Garibaldi figure within subaltern culture, chiefly through handcrafts, political tattoos, painted scenes pertaining to the traditional puppet theater, as well as to ornate carts. All these contexts show a dense circulation between “high” and “low” culture. The elections for the regional parliament in 1947 were characterized by the massive use of Garibaldi in the frame of Communist propaganda too. Here we try to shed light on this strategy and the related iconographic choices. In the celebrations for the victory of the political left, the sacred dimension of Garibaldi’s mythic status is evident; his image is carried around during St. Joseph’s festival too.

Turning the Tide: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Parliamentary Approaches for Scaling up Climate Action

This study explores the crucial role that regional parliaments play in promoting climate action across different regions. It underscores the necessity of cross-border climate action, given the interconnectedness of the climate system and the transboundary impacts of climate change. The study concentrates on the contributions of regional parliaments, often overlooked, in enhancing climate action through institutional structure. It identifies the approaches, work done, and strategies implemented by regional parliaments to fill the knowledge gap in the field. By empowering regional parliamentary institutions, this study highlights their potential to drive effective climate action and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Shaping EU policy in regional parliaments: a configurational analysis of the Posted Workers Directive in Germany

ABSTRACT Since the Lisbon Treaty, research on parliaments in EU affairs turned to the regional level, but few studies ask how subnational legislators engage with the substance of EU policies. We examine this topic based on statements by the parliamentary groups in all German Landtage concerning the reform of the Posted Workers Directive, which became particularly salient when the European Court of Justice liberalized wage clauses in state procurement law. Under which conditions did the parliamentary groups support the reform? Our configurational analysis reveals that a left party identity is the only necessary attribute for support, and that it becomes sufficient in conjunction with the group being in opposition or with state policy being affected by European jurisprudence. We find little evidence that the local economic context mattered. The results partly confirm research on the Europeanization of state procurement law but highlight the importance of policy shaping from below.

Minority language interpreting in regional parliaments: Breton, Corsican, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh compared

ABSTRACT Following a discussion of the term ‘minority language’, this paper goes on to explain the important role interpreting can play for language planning and status raising, especially in high-prestige formal settings such as regional parliaments. There then follows a brief overview of each language before presenting the interpreting provision available for Breton, Corsican, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh in their respective assemblies. The comparative study yields a very disparate picture, with highly conflicting experiences even within the same overarching state-level legal framework. The discussion section attempts to propose explanations for the differences detected whilst indicating new routes of enquiry for future research.

The Legal and Normative Framework of International Activities of Subnational Parliaments: a Case of St. Petersburg Parliament

Purpose. The article engages in a comprehensive analysis of the legal and normative foundations of international activities of the Russian sub-state regions with an emphasis on regional parliaments.Methods. In order to compile the study, the author draws upon a case-oriented research design and engages in two approaches namely comparative and political-legal. The case of the study is St. Petersburg, a Russian region, and its supreme legislative body namely the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg.Results. The author has defined the general normative-legal foundations of the international activity of the Russian regions, outlined the general normative-legal foundations of the international activity of the legislative authorities of the Russian regions and analysed the normative-legal foundations of the international activity of the representative authority of the Russian regions and their proportion with the executive branch of power in the case of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg and the system of executive authorities of St. Petersburg. In addition, the author outlined the problems of legal regulation of international activities of Russian regions.Conclusions. Firstly, in terms of legal basis, the regions of the Russian Federation have a limited range of freedom in the sphere of international relations, consisting in the maintenance of cultural and economic ties, and the international activity of the regions itself is under the control of the federal authorities. Secondly, the federal legislation of Russia contains legal uncertainties regarding the interpretation of concepts and the definition of specific mechanisms and forms of international activities of the regions. Thirdly, federal legislation, while not defining the clear competences of regional parliaments, provides the Russian regions to independently determine the specific powers of their authorities within the framework of federal and regional legislation. Fourthly, the competences of international activities of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg are limited to the status-value, normative-recommendary and advisory-expert nature. Fifthly, the structure of the powers of public authorities in St. Petersburg shows a prevalence in the powers of international activities between the legislative and executive authorities in favour of the second one

Формирование федеративных отношений в Российской Федерации: опыт, проблемы, перспективы развития

The article analyzes the stages of improving federal relations in the Russian Federation. The author states that the improvement of federal relations contributes to the solution of many issues concerning Russian society. It is noted that the federal government and the authorities of the subjects came to a compromise on the issue of interest to them, which was reflected in the formation of the Federation Council — the upper house of the country's parliament, its reforms were analyzed. It is proposed to transfer to the Federation Council the issue of submitting candidates to the regional parliament for the post of head of the region, since in the Russian Federation, characterized by a high degree of centralization of the public administration system and a significant amount of powers belonging to the federal center in relations with the regions, it is the solution of this issue that would be most relevant, as a body of people's representation in the highest echelon of power. It is concluded that the creation of federal districts and the appointment of presidential plenipotentiaries strengthened the vertical of power. The author notes that the most important direction of the federal reform is the restoration of the internal state sovereignty of Russia and the supremacy of federal power.

Will Women’s Representation Reduce Bribery? Trends in Corruption and Public Service Delivery Across European Regions

AbstractWhile a growing body of work suggests that women representatives are less likely to be involved in corruption scandals, we know less about if changes in representation patterns also have implications for citizens’ first-hand experiences with corruption in public service delivery. This study suggests that women elected representatives reduce street level bribery, in particular when the share of women increases in contexts where relatively few women are elected or when the absolute increase in women’s representation is relatively large. Using newly collected data on the share of women in 128 regional level parliaments in 10 European countries and four rounds of the European Quality of Government Index (EQI) survey (2010–2021), our two-way fixed effects models show that on average, the proportion of women in regional parliaments is strongly associated with citizens’ self-reported experiences of bribery across all countries and years. Furthermore, our difference-in-difference design shows that the level of bribery in public service provision dropped more sharply in regions that experienced a greater absolute or greater marginal increase in women’s representation. Our results may be understood in light of women candidates placing priority on well-functioning and low corrupt public service provision and the important signals of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and decreased tolerance towards corruption that women’s representation conveys to civil servants.

Spain as a Democratic State Governed by the Rule of Law and the Catalan Secessionist Process

AbstractThis work begins by recalling the characteristic features of the political system and model of territorial division of power established in the 1978 Spanish Constitution after a complicated but successful process of transition to democracy. Spain was constituted as a politically decentralized, social and democratic state governed by the rule of law, a compromise solution between the centralist tradition and the demands of peripheral nationalisms. Although this original formula has been progressively deployed with clearly positive results, it has come under threat from the challenge posed by the secessionist forces in Catalonia and the Basque Country, seriously endangering coexistence. In this regard, the work first analyses the Ibarretxe Plan, the confederal proposal of the president of the Basque government approved in 2004 by the Basque Parliament and rejected by the lower house of the Spanish Parliament. It then examines the most relevant sequences of the secessionist process that has unfolded in Catalonia over the last decade and which culminated in October 2017 in an illegal referendum and the unilateral declaration of independence approved by the regional parliament. It also analyses the response of Spanish institutions to attempts at constitutional rupture and its possible impact on the democratic quality of Spain and its reputation as a state governed by the rule of law.

Why are Spanish regional parliaments lost in translation within the framework of the Early Warning System?

Why are Spanish regional parliaments lost in translation within the framework of the Early Warning System?

The Oversight Function of The House of Representatives of The Regional Parliament on The Implementation of The Regional Budget of Maros Regency

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the oversight function exercised by the House of Representatives of the Regional Parliament in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the regional budget in Maros Regency. It seeks to identify the mechanisms, challenges, and impacts of this oversight on financial management and governance within the region. Theoretical Framework: This research employs a multi-dimensional theoretical framework drawing from theories of legislative oversight, budgetary control, and local governance. It utilizes concepts related to the roles and responsibilities of legislative bodies in budget oversight, including the principal-agent theory, accountability structures, and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in budget implementation. Methodology: This study employs a mixed-method approach involving qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative data collection includes interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to understand the perceptions, experiences, and processes of oversight. Quantitative analysis involves statistical assessments of budgetary allocations, expenditures, and performance indicators. The study also employs comparative analysis with similar regional bodies for contextual understanding. Results and Conclusion: The findings reveal the mechanisms utilized by the House of Representatives in overseeing the implementation of the regional budget in Maros Regency. It identifies strengths and weaknesses in oversight practices, highlighting challenges faced by the legislative body in ensuring effective financial governance. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these findings on improving oversight mechanisms for better financial accountability and governance at the regional level. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the oversight function of the House of Representatives of the Regional Parliament specifically focused on the implementation of the regional budget in Maros Regency. It offers insights into the practical dynamics, challenges, and potential improvements in legislative oversight practices within regional governance, thereby contributing valuable knowledge to enhance financial transparency and accountability mechanisms in local administrations.

The Effectiveness of Community Organizations (Ormas) in Maintaining Cultural Diversity in the Community of Gorontalo Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency

Wibowo & Harefa (2015), the form of implementation of everyone's right to gather, express opinions and associate is the formation of community organizations (Ormas). This was further realized with Law Number 16 of 2017 concerning amendments to Law Number 17 of 2013 concerning Community Organizations. Community Organizations, hereinafter referred to as Ormas, are associations created by the community and formed based on the same aspirations, goals and ideals based on voluntary aspects to participate in development as a form of support in achieving state goals based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. Community Organizations have a function as intermediaries to provide aspirations and participation of the community in government, as a forum that provides protection to the community itself, functions to maintain customs and culture as well as religious values, preserve and maintain existing norms in society, both moral and ethical. , and culture that lives in society, and other functions stated in the applicable laws and regulations. The existence of mass organizations is expected to act as a mouthpiece for the people of the area who have united them. Culture is viewed in a completely aesthetic way. What Kleden explains, if it is related to the context of caci, mbata, sanda, danding, etc., seems to be challenged in the midst of today's cultural modernization. Therefore, such cultural heritage should be interpreted as a whole (totality) as a characteristic of Manggarai culture. In the context of caci, it is actually a strategic event in terms of promoting regional tourism. The dance of mutual whipping between adult men (caci) should have a legal basis in the form of regional regulations. This is the task of the regional parliament (DPRD) to make regional regulations. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method which aims to describe the forms, uniqueness and variety of culture of the Manggarai people. The main instrument in this research is own research. The types of data used in this research are primary and secondary data, primary data is data obtained from interviews or observations. Meanwhile, secondary data is data obtained from the results of reviewing reference books or documentation. Community perception of the cultural diversity of Manggarai, especially Gorontalo Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The Gorontalo Village community is very enthusiastic about the cultural diversity of Manggarai by continuing to regenerate this cultural diversity in the younger generations so that cultural diversity continues to exist in the Manggarai community in general and in the Gorontalo Village community in particular.

Развитие регионального электорального процесса в России (на примере Республики Саха (Якутия))

In this article, the authors conducted a study of the regional electoral process development in the Russian Federation using the example of regional elections in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2018 and 2023, and specifically the elections of the Head of the subject and the Legislative Assembly of People’s Deputies (Il Tumen). The purpose of the work is to analyze the dynamics, factors of the results and process of elections in the region. The article used an institutional approach, in which the object of research is regional authorities – the Institute of Heads of Subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as regional parliaments (legislatures, assemblies). The following tasks are identified: to study the process of the Russian electoral system evolution at the federal and regional levels; determine the influence of federalism factors on the relations development between the federal center and regions; determine the main theoretical foundations for studying the regional electoral process, as well as the degree of competition in elections; study the results of regional elections in 2018 and 2023. The object of the study is the regional electoral process in Russia, the subject of the study is the regional elections of the Head of the subject and the Legislative Assembly of People’s Deputies of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Within the framework of this article, the authors have come to the following conclusions and results: since 2012, after the return of the practice of direct elections of Heads of subjects and the return of the proportional electoral system, the development of a new electoral cycle begins in the regions; after the centralization of federal relations in the 2000s. the party composition of regional parliaments has become similar to the composition of the federal parliament of the State Duma, consisting of 4–5 parties. According to the results of the last two regional elections in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the current governor A. Nikolaev has won, and in the elections in Il Tumen the leading position has been occupied by the United Russia party.

Региональный парламентаризм в условиях глобальных вызовов и неопределенности: опыт и уроки

This scientific and practical article has been prepared in order to summarize the experience of the Legislative Duma of the Khabarovsk Territory in the period of 2019–2024. The work describes the specifics of the process of formation of the dynamic regional parliament, external factors of the Duma's activities, legislative results, the contribution of the deputies of the seventh convocation to the development of the forms of parliamentary activity and parliamentary communications. The alteration of the majority faction in the Legislative Duma of the Territory in 2019 has been justified by the high demand of citizens for social changes and the requirement to reduce the distance of power. The leading external conditions of the Duma's work are characterized by pandemic shock, socio-political instability and protest phenomena in the region, constitutional changes in public authority, a special military operation and its goals. The results of the work of the deputies of the seventh convocation are the following: initiation and adoption of constituent and basic laws of the region, development of a variety of forms of the Duma's work, active communications including the Internet space, contribution to parliamentary diplomacy. The following lessons have been induced from the experience of the regional parliament: the lesson of a far-sighted attitude to parliamentary leadership; the lesson of long-term party work based on the principles of succession of generations; the lesson of flexible and socially dynamic lawmaking and parliamentary control; the lesson of openness and broad communication of the deputy team. The article is addressed to researchers and practitioners in the field of regional public administration, aimed at disseminating the experience of parliamentary management in conditions of change and high uncertainty.

Сравнительный анализ итогов выборов в региональные парламенты Республики Бурятия и Забайкальского края в 2023 г.

The article provides a comparative analysis of the main results of the elections to the regional parliaments of the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Region. The conducted analysis actualizes the study. The object of the study is the regional election campaign for the election of deputies of the regional legislative authorities of the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Region. The purpose of the study is a comparative analysis of the course and results of elections to regional parliaments, identification of common and distinct features and peculiarities. In accordance with the set goal, the tasks are defined: to identify the main features of the indicators for the nomination of candidates for the post of deputies of regional legislative bodies in the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Region; to determine the main features of the election campaign in the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Region. The methodological basis of the research is the institutional approach. As the authors note, there have been quite significant changes compared to the 2022 elections. Firstly, the composition of participants in the electoral competition has changed, in particular, not only the share of non-party nominees has decreased, but also the number of candidates from non-systemic political parties. Secondly, there has been a consolidation of society, as a result of which the positions of the “party of power” strengthened and the possibilities of minority parties weakened. This has also affected the governance of the parliament, which has become more “obedient”. At the same time, each region has its own characteristics. In Buryatia, compared with the Transbaikal Region, a much smaller number of political parties participated in the electoral race and the possibilities of the “party of power” are somewhat higher. At the same time, the New People party joined the parliament in the parliamentary elections in Buryatia, but not in Transbaikalia. These and other circumstances allow us to speak about the beginning of a new stage in the development of political parties, where the positions of the “party of power” are once again strengthening and opposition forces are weakening. It is concluded that the role of regional branches of political parties in the political space of Russian regions is increasingly being minimized.

Проблемы и находки депутатов «лихих 90-х»: к 30-летию Народного Хурала Республики Бурятия

A special problem in the work of deputies of regional parliaments of the "dashing 90s" was the constant lack of budget funds for vital social programs, education and health care. The nonpayment of salaries for several months, primarily to teachers and doctors, was difficult to overcome; the unfair privatization of public and state property, the real events of the consequences of the war in Chechnya of 1994-1998, unbridled crime, etc. A special Khural laboratory was established in the structure of the National Academy of Sciences and operated throughout the first convocation. The surveys allowed us to better understand people's psychology, their specific daily aspirations, diagnose their mood and attitude to emerging situations. A truthful and honest diagnosis of public opinion made it possible in some cases to make decisions and legislative acts consistent with the situation. At the fourth session, the symbols of the republic – the coat of arms and the anthem – were adopted, the work on the preparation of projects of which took a long time. Deputies of the People's Khural of the Republic of Buryatia managed to hold two parliamentary hearings in Ulan-Ude together with deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation: on the draft law "On Lake Baikal" (1994) and "On the plan of priority measures for the implementation of the concept of State National Policy of the Russian Federation" (1996). In both hearings, they adopted The participation of "neighbors": deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the Irkutsk region, representatives of the administration of the Ust-Ordynsky Buryat Autonomous Okrug.

About the Problems of Party Representation in the Composition of Precinct Election Commissions

The article analyzes one of the relevant problems for the current electoral law of the Russian Federation, the problem of ensuring party representation in the formation of precinct election commissions. In accordance with the current electoral legislation of the Russian Federation, at least half of the composition of each precinct election commission is formed on the basis of proposals from parties represented in the federal and regional parliaments. However, for certain constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the issue of ensuring the principle of guaranteeing representation of all parliamentary parties in precinct election commissions is acute, since the problem of disproportionate representation arises, to the point that individual political parties are not allowed to be members of the majority of precinct election commissions. The purpose of our research is to develop a legislative solution that makes it possible “painlessly” for the law enforcement officer to provide guarantees for equal party representation for everyone. The research methodology is based on a theoretical analysis of the legal acts of the Russian Federation on the issue of ensuring a multi-party system using the example of the formation of precinct election commissions in the Primorsky Territory. The object of observation is the precinct election commissions of the Primorsky Territory during their formation in 2023. The scientific novelty lies in the formation of the author's approach to the legislative solution to the problem of ensuring multi-party system in the formation of precinct election commissions. This study proposes a solution to the problem under consideration that is accessible to law enforcement officials.

Формирование федеративных отношений в Российской Федерации: опыт, проблемы, перспективы развития

The article analyzes the stages of improving federal relations in the Russian Federation. The author states that the improvement of federal relations contributes to the solution of many issues concerning Russian society. It is noted that the federal government and the authorities of the subjects came to a compromise on the issue of interest to them, which was reflected in the formation of the Federation Council – the upper house of the country's parliament, its reforms were analyzed. It is proposed to transfer to the Federation Council the issue of submitting candidates to the regional parliament for the post of head of the region, since in the Russian Federation, characterized by a high degree of centralization of the public administration system and a significant amount of powers belonging to the federal center in relations with the regions, it is the solution of this issue that would be most relevant, as a body of people's representation in the highest echelon of power. It is concluded that the creation of federal districts and the appointment of presidential plenipotentiaries strengthened the vertical of power. The author notes that the most important direction of the federal reform is the restoration of the internal state sovereignty of Russia and the supremacy of federal power.

Representation of women in regional parliaments: testing the model of traditional gender roles

Representation of women in regional parliaments: testing the model of traditional gender roles