Republic readying to enact legislation on local administration autonomy, according to Alexey Yeremeyev
The proposed draft law No. 33 on local self-government in Yakutia, part of a broader federal reform, is currently in a stalled legislative phase. The law, which was signed by the President and approved by both the Duma and the Federation Council, has faced delays in its adoption, with a rescheduled session now planned for 2025 [1].
Initially, the law proposed the abolition of the two-tier system of city and village settlements in favour of a single-tier system. However, a new version of the law grants regions, including Yakutia, the authority to decide whether to maintain the existing system or transition to a single-tier system [1].
The law is connected to the federal draft reform on local self-government, titled "On the General Principles of the Organisation of Local Self-Government within the Unified System of Public Authority." This related draft law was adopted in the first reading on January 25, 2022, but its consideration was postponed from a planned second reading in December 2024 to 2025 [1].
Regarding public discussion, specific details on consultations or public involvement particular to Yakutia or draft law No. 33 were not found in the available data. However, such legislative changes typically undergo public and expert discussions before final regional implementation [1].
The draft law is scheduled for adoption in the first reading in November, and the State Assembly of Yakutia will have the opportunity to propose amendments during the congress [1]. The III Congress of deputies of the representative bodies of municipal formations will be held in the tenth days of December to discuss possible amendments.
By the beginning of 2027, the entire regulatory framework on issues of local self-government in Yakutia will be fully prepared. After the adoption of the republican law, municipalities will be tasked with amending their charters by January 1, 2027 [1].
The law, once adopted, will come into full force in 2027. The main provisions of the law began to apply on June 19, 2022, with some articles coming into force on January 1, 2027 [1]. Governor Alexei Eremeev is overseeing the preparation of the regulatory acts at the republican level, and the State Assembly of Yakutia will be involved in the discussion and amendment process of the law [1].
The draft law will be submitted for public discussion, including consultations with the public, visits to uluses, and the organization of discussions in Yakutsk with the participation of public organizations and political parties by mid-September [1]. The law's adoption, however, is contingent on the congress supporting the proposed edition. If the congress does not support the proposed edition, the second and third editions of the draft law may be prepared [1].
This right to determine the number of levels, distribute powers, and the procedure for electing local government bodies is provided for by the Constitution of Russia within the scope of joint jurisdiction [1]. The subjects of the Russian Federation have the right to independently regulate issues of organizing the system of local self-government [1].
By the end of 2027, the entire regulatory framework on issues of local self-government in Yakutia is expected to be in place, subject to the congress's approval of the proposed draft law. The process, while complex, reflects the ongoing effort to reform local governance structures within Russia.
[1] Source: Various news articles and official statements.
- The proposed draft law No. 33 on local self-government in Yakutia, while currently stalled in the legislative phase, is connected to policy-and-legislation, considering it is part of a broader federal reform on local self-government.
- The law's adoption process includes public discussion, political parties, and public organizations, as it will undergo consultations with the public, visits to uluses, and discussions in Yakutsk before it is submitted for approval, demonstrating the relevance of politics to the proceedings.
