Municipal power in the regions of modern Russia: the conflictogenic potential of development

The article presents the various conflicts that arise in the spheres of municipal power and local authority in Russia. The research is based on the expert interview of 80 heads of municipalities and representatives of the scientist’ community from six regions of the Volga Federal District conducted by the researchers of Research Center for Studies in Public Service Management of Bashkir State Academy of Public Administration and Management under the President of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The article provides the analysis of the basic contradictions that arise in the municipal sector, and suggests the ways of its solution. Also, the article describes the legal conflicts of the Russian legislation, as well as issues of cooperation of municipal authorities with public authorities, civil society and representatives of public organizations and civic initiative projects. The authors consider that the effective implementation of the municipal authorities is only possible if it will be based on principles of political and financial transparency. Only the civic institutions and democratic political culture will help to take a step on the way to real local authority in Russia.