Critics see centralisation in Komi municipal reform

The deputies of the Komi Republic adopted a resolution by a large majority to transition from a two-tier to a single-tier system of local government. This proposal was put forward by representatives of 13 municipalities. Municipalities will now be replaced by municipal districts. Andrei Klimushev, chairman of the State Council’s Committee on Legislation and Local Self-Government, who submitted the bill, explained that the draft law provides for the establishment of a single-tier local government system in the Komi Republic, which will involve the formation of 19 municipal districts and one urban district, for a total of 20 local governments. Currently, there are 168 local governments in the Komi Republic, 136 of which are village councils.

Under the new law, municipal districts will be formed within the boundaries of existing municipalities. The law provides for the holding of elections in the districts, as well as the determination of the number of representatives. The heads of municipal districts will be elected from among candidates nominated by the head of the Komi Republic. Elections will take place in most districts in 2029–2030. Representatives are elected for five years, and a transition period is currently in effect. Supporters of the law believe that this is a major relief for the local government level, as in small municipalities—village councils—the leadership has no power at all, since there is no incoming revenue to exercise that power. The new law also reduces bureaucracy and administrative costs.

Opposition

The Communists opposed the bill, arguing that a referendum should have been held on the issue of administrative reform, because such a reform of local government would be disastrous for villages: power would become more distant from the people, and decisions would be made in district centres. In the Communists’ view, this could also be disastrous for the demographic situation, which is already poor. The Communists argued that one must take into account the fact that there are great distances between villages and district centres in the republic, and the population is sparse. The issue of administrative reform is a very serious one, the Communist deputies concluded.

The independent news portal Komi Daily believes that a process of centralisation—or the establishment of a vertical power structure—is underway, which increases the central government’s control over the district and, indirectly, Moscow’s control over the region. Komi Daily argues that it is impossible to effectively resolve local problems from the centre. Furthermore, the reform can be seen as an attempt to limit the Komi people’s ability to make their own decisions about their lives.

Historical background

Specifically, the administration of local governments in Komi has historically differed from that of many Russian provinces, as the serfs of Komi were state peasants and did not belong to landowners. This meant direct subordination to the state, to which taxes were paid and burdens borne, but a certain degree of autonomy was preserved. The municipal government and local communities had significantly greater influence here than elsewhere, where landowners were also involved in governance. The harsh climate, vast distances, and weak connections to central authorities meant that many issues had to be resolved locally. People grew accustomed to a certain degree of autonomy and reacted strongly against outside interference.