The Russian state at the present stage of development is in conditions that are characteristic of a permanent innovation process. This is a determinant of the fact that in post-Soviet Russia there was a need for a well-structured domestic policy, the activities of state institutions, as well as the establishment of a certain vector of political management. In particular, it is necessary to find the answer to the question: "Decentralization - what is it, and what is its difference from the centralization of power?"
What are the processes of centralization and decentralization of management?
Turning to the terminology, we can conclude that the centralization and decentralization of management are different concepts. Thus, centralization is the concentration of all power in the hands of one organization. From a political point of view, when the authorities do not accumulate all power in their own hands, butgives some competence to LSG bodies, this is decentralization. What it is, in more detail allow you to find out expert answers on this issue.
Two methodological approaches to the decentralization of power
Today, according to Vardan Baghdasaryan, there are two methodological approaches that allow answering the question: what is decentralization? The entire volume of managerial powers can be represented by a specific figure, which will be 100%. If more than 90% of the powers are concentrated in the hands of the highest bodies of state power and only 10% are given to the competence of local governments, then it can be argued that management is centralized in this state. If the percentage of distribution of power is inversely related, that is, 90% relate to the powers of LSG and only 10% to authorities at the federal and regional levels, then we can say that the process of decentralization of management has passed.
Thus, the first methodological approach allows us to talk about the management model - excessive decentralization. In other words, topical issues for local self-government cannot be resolved directly at the “locals”. To do this, it is necessary to lobby the interests of a particular locality in the bodies at higher levels of government, which in most cases is impossible.
If the decentralization of powers follows the second model, then the risk of separatism within the state increases. This ismay become the main determining factor in the collapse of the country's statehood.
What are the disadvantages of decentralizing power?
It is not enough to answer the question: "Decentralization - what is it?" - it is important to understand the main pros and cons of this separation of powers mechanism.
- Loss of monopoly on money issue by the government. This minus lies in the fact that the central authorities cannot pursue a competent stabilization monetary policy. Part of the powers is vested in the regions of the Russian Federation, which is a fairly significant financial burden for them. It is because of this reason that money surrogates are spreading.
- The growth of bureaucratization. Decentralization of power is not only the distribution of powers, but also an increase in the number of state institutions and officials, each of which performs its specific role. This leads to excessive regulation both in the political sphere and in the economic and social spheres.
- Besides, the decentralization of power means increasing corruption in local governments. With the differentiation of power, there is a redistribution of powers at the local level. Local elites come to management, thanks to which they lobby the interests of a business company using bribery of the authorities, giving bribes and presenting gifts.
- Opacity of local authorities. If the highest state authorities publish reports on their activities, then local self-government leavesyour work in the shadows. Officials at the local level control the activities of the media, so it is not possible to publicize the activities of the authorities from a disadvantageous side.
Despite the fact that the decentralization of power in Russia faces numerous problems, this mechanism has a number of unrealized advantages and opportunities.
LSG Flexibility
Local governments are much better informed about the existing problems in the territory of a certain locality. Thanks to this, it is possible to make flexible decisions aimed at solving emerging situations. However, due to the lack of proper political and economic incentives, the system does not work.
Competition of LSG jurisdictions
One of the main advantages of decentralization is competition between different jurisdictions. However, due to the fact that there is no single economic space within the Russian Federation, there is low mobility of labor force, labor and financial flows on the territory of the state.
Responsibility of LSG
Responsibility of power to the electorate. It is believed that it is LSG that is as close as possible to the people, knows their needs and problems. Therefore, activities should be as open and transparent as possible. In fact, the top local authorities are representatives of local elites who prefer to keep their own work in the shadows, thereby hiding the true direction of the activity.
Mechanismchecks and balances
The usurpation of power can be avoided by proportional centralization and decentralization of management, which implies a strict division of powers according to the 50/50 principle. However, for the effective functioning of the mechanism, institutions specialized in control are needed. On the territory of the Russian Federation, this practice is weak, which does not allow adequate coordination of management between different levels of government.
Centralization and decentralization of power is the most pressing issue in Russia today. Only a competent distribution of powers among the bodies of various levels of state power will make it possible to avoid the possible disadvantages of this mechanism of delimitation of competence and realize the possibilities.
