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 the need arose for a well-constructed domestic policy, the activities of state institutions, as well as for the establishment of a certain vector of political governance. In particular, one should find the answer to the question: "Decentralization - what is it and what are its differences from the centralization of power?"
What are the processes of centralization and decentralization of management?
Turning to terminology, we can conclude that centralization and decentralization of management are different concepts. So, centralization is the concentration of all power in the hands of one organization. From a political point of view, when the government does not accumulate all the fullness of power in its own hands, but gives some competence to local self-government bodies, this is decentralization. What is it, in more detail you can find out the expert answers on this issue.
Two methodological approaches to decentralization of power
Today, according to Vardan Baghdasaryan, there are two methodological approaches that allow us to answer the question: decentralization - what is it. The entire amount of managerial authority 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 authorities, then it can be argued that in this state the administration is centralized. If the percentage of the distribution of power is inversely related, that is, 90% relate to the powers of local self-government and only 10% to the authorities at the federal and regional levels, then we can say that the process of decentralization of governance has passed.
Thus, the first methodological approach allows us to talk about a management model - excessive decentralization. In other words, topical issues for local self-government cannot be resolved directly in “places”. To do this, lobby the interests of a particular locality in the bodies at higher levels of government, which in most cases is impossible to implement.
If the decentralization of powers follows the second model, then the risk of separatism within the state increases. This may be the main determining factor in the collapse of 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 government monopoly on money emissions. This minus lies in the fact that central authorities cannot carry out stabilization literate monetary policy. Part of the authority is vested in the regions of the Russian Federation, which is quite a significant financial burden for them. It is precisely for this reason that money surrogates are spreading.
- The growth of bureaucratization. Decentralization of power is not only a distribution of powers, but also an increase in the number of state institutions and officials, each of which fulfills its specific role. This leads to excessive regulation both in the political field and in the economic, social sphere.
- In addition, the decentralization of power is an increasing corruption in local governments. With the separation of powers, a redistribution of powers occurs at the local level. Local elites come to management, thanks to which they lobby the interests of the business company when using the bribery of authorities, giving bribes and giving gifts.
- Local opacity. If the supreme bodies of state power publish reports on their activities, then local government leaves its work in the shade. Local officials control the activities of the media, so it is not possible to publicize the activities of the authorities on a disadvantageous basis.
Despite the fact that decentralization of power in Russia is faced with numerous problems, this mechanism has a number of unrealized advantages and opportunities.
Flexible ISU
Local governments are much better informed about existing problems in the territory of a particular locality. Thanks to this, the adoption of flexible decisions aimed at solving emerging situations is possible. However, due to the lack of proper political and economic incentives, the system does not work.
Competition of 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, low mobility of labor, labor and financial flows is observed on the territory of the state.
Responsibility of local government
Responsibility of the authorities to the electorate. It is believed that the local government is as close to the people as possible, knows their needs and problems. Therefore, the activity should be as open and transparent as possible. In fact, the local authorities at the top are representatives of local elites who prefer to leave their own work in the background, hiding the true focus of their activities.
