The role of municipal deputies in protecting the interests of citizens was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
The integration of special military operation veterans into peaceful life and the interaction between regions and municipalities were discussed as part of the second All-Russian Municipal Forum "SMALL HOMELAND – THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA", which is currently taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The forum is organised by the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government (VARMSU) with the support of the Executive Office of the President of the Russian Federation.
Given external challenges, coordinated efforts — including at the municipal level — are especially important. The need for unity among representatives of government was emphasised by Secretary of the General Council of the "United Russia" party and First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Vladimir Yakushev:
"The stronger our municipalities and regions are today, the stronger our country is. In regions where cooperation with municipalities is properly established, active development is taking place. These regions are the driving force — both in the economy and in the social life of the country," stated Vladimir Yakushev.
Projects aimed at supporting participants of the special military operation and their families are playing an especially important role today. The importance of involving participants and veterans of the special military operation in local governance was highlighted by Yevgeny Chintsov, Chairman of the City Duma of Nizhny Novgorod and recipient of three Orders of Courage.
"As our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has repeatedly said, the integration of special military operation participants into peaceful life is extremely important. It is vital to involve them in municipal governance because they have proven through their actions that the interests of the Fatherland are their top priority. In our region, we are developing the project 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region', which supports people in serving the Motherland at the local level. They are undoubtedly becoming a new elite of municipal governance," said Yevgeny Chintsov.
Families of service members most often reach out to municipal deputies, noted Anna Gurariy, Chairwoman of the Yekaterinburg City Duma. According to her, the key to effective work with families of SMO participants lies in full engagement with their concerns:
"My colleagues and I regularly receive requests from families on a wide range of issues — from processing entitled benefits and payments, to organising treatment and rehabilitation for wounded fighters, to searching for those missing in action. Even when these matters fall outside the direct responsibilities of a municipal deputy, we strive to find a solution for each case. It is important to support the individual, not simply redirect them 'according to jurisdiction', but to seek solutions together and accompany them along the way," said Anna Gurariy.
Chairman of the Ulyanovsk City Duma Ilya Nozhechkin shared his experience in identifying people who are capable and ready to serve their municipality:
"Right now, we are using the practice of combining the efforts of local self-government deputies and the primary branches of our party. Who is the secretary of a 'primary branch'? This is a community opinion leader. It is very important to find a truly passionate person and provide them with the resources they need to offer something valuable to people. When financial resources are lacking, we must engage organizational and intellectual resources. Together, we are essentially creating a project office for attracting additional resources to the territory," said Ilya Nozhechkin.
The All-Russian Municipal Forum "SMALL HOMELAND – THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA" is one of the most significant events for all municipal entities across the country. This annual event is held by order of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to discuss pressing issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.
Around 4,000 participants from all regions of the country are taking part in the Forum: representatives of local self-government, federal and regional authorities, business, public organizations, and experts. From April 21 to 23, participants are exchanging experience, sharing successful practices, and developing solutions to a wide range of issues in order to improve the quality of life in municipalities.
As part of the Forum, the following events are taking place: a business programme featuring more than 20 panel sessions, discussions, expert dialogues, and more; the second All-Russian municipal award "Service"; the All-Russian Municipal Investment Forum; and the cultural festival "Heart of the Motherland."
The general information partner of the forum "SMALL HOMELAND – THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA" and the "Service" award is the TASS News Agency. Information partners include Lenta.ru, Gazeta.Ru, the Komsomolskaya Pravda media group, the Zvezda TV and radio company, Moskovsky Komsomolets, and the 360 TV channel. The communication partner of the Forum is the MAER Media Holding.
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