24th Session

Strasbourg, 19-21 March 2013

CG(24)15

19 March 2013

Questions tabled by the members of the Congress

for oral reply by

Mrs Valentina MATVIENKO,

Chairperson of the Council of the Federation

of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation


1.         MONITORING OF RUSSIA

Knud ANDERSEN, Denmark (R, ILDG)

Our Congress has drawn the attention of Russian authorities many times since the adoption in 2009 of the law enabling the dismissal of mayors by municipal councils at the initiative of the regional governor, and that this may raise issues in the light of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, which the Russian Federation ratified in 1998.  We have recommended revoking this law, to ensure the free exercise of authority by elected representatives, which  is an essential aspect of local democracy.

Could you explain what is the situation at present as regards the application of this law?  And in general, is anything being done to improve the legal safeguards to ensure that local authorities are not subject to excessive supervision by higher levels of governance?

2.         THE “VERTICAL OF POWER” AND LOCAL/REGIONAL DEMOCRACY

Leen VERBEEK, Netherlands (R, SOC)

The good functioning of local and regional democracy requires a substantial degree of autonomy for self-governing bodies – both financial and decision-making autonomy – and, of course, the pluralism of opinions represented by political parties and civil society, which is a prerequisite for democracy at any level.

At the same time, the concept of governance in Russia today is based on the so-called “vertical of power”, which requires the subordination of power structures and increasingly resembles a one-party rule in decision-making. How do you reconcile this “vertical of power” with local and regional democracy?

3.         ELECTION OF GOVERNORS

Michael O’BRIEN, Ireland (R, SOC)

By its Recommendation 297 of 2010, the Congress had recommended that Russia reintroduce direct elections for regional governors. The law on direct elections of governors was signed by President Medvedev days before the end of his term of office, and its adoption was welcomed by the then Congress President Keith Whitmore.

However, I must say that we share the scepticism of many observers and experts who stress that the presidential filter still remains and has not been lifted with this law. Thus, the issue of the elections of regional governors is still a matter of concern in the light of the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

What are your views on this subject? Are there initiatives underway to make the legislation fully compliant with the European Charter of Local Self-Government and with the Charter of the Congress?

4.         ACTION PLAN FOR RUSSIA

Nataliya ROMANOVA, Ukraine (R, ILDG)

Through its reform the Congress has strengthened its statutory activities and developed a new more operational dimension which is closer to all levels of governance in member states of the Council of Europe.

Local and regional democracy has been included in the priorities for cooperation with the Russian Federation for 2013-2014 which are currently being prepared. The Congress will contribute to the project on the reform of local government administration, with the objective to improve the quality of local governance, to increase the effectiveness and relevance of local policies for citizens, all the while, improving their access to the decision-making process.

For this project to be a success, it is essential to have the highest political support of the authorities of the Russian Federation, as well as of the other levels of governance involved. Could you confirm that such support exists?

5.         THE ONE IN FIVE CAMPAIGN

Clemens LAMMERSKITTEN, Germany (R, EPP/CCE)

In October last year, Russian signed the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Convention against sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The head of the Russian delegation in the Congress, Mrs Svetlana ORLOVA, has been very active in promoting the Council of Europe’s One in Five Campaign to stop sexual violence against children – the Campaign was launched last year in Moscow and your home city of St Petersburg, both having regional status in the Russian Federation.

Also last October, the Congress adopted a resolution and a recommendation calling on regions to implement relevant provisions of the Lanzarote Convention, adopt regional legislation in this domain and carry out action within their competences. What is the future of the Lanzarote Convention in Russia and do you envisage encouraging other Russian regions to get involved in the One in Five Campaign? 

6.         CIRCUMSTANCES FOR REMOVAL OF LOCAL OFFICIAL

Andrew BOFF, United Kingdom (R, ECR)

Under what circumstances would the Russian Government seek to remove a local official with a mandate?