The Constitutional Model of Local Self-government in Russia: Genesis and Current State Author Information

This article examines the evolution of the constitutional and legal foundations of local self-government in the Russian Federation from the adoption of the 1993 Constitution to the present. It analyzes institutional transformations affecting territorial organization, the procedures for forming municipal bodies, and the delimitation of municipal powers. It is noted that over the past three decades the original constitutional model has substantially shifted toward a stronger state orientation and increased centralization of governance. It was found that the number of municipal formations decreased by 28,7%, and direct elections of heads have in most regions been replaced by competitive appointment procedures. The study determines that financial dependence of local budgets, insufficient own revenues, and personnel problems significantly limit the real autonomy of municipalities. A cluster analysis conducted made it possible to identify three groups of regions that differ markedly in the level of local self-government development. The conclusion is that the current model requires comprehensive improvement of institutional, financial-economic, and organizational foundations to ensure conformity with the constitutional principles of local self-government autonomy.