The All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government begins working with the deputies

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For the first time, within the framework of the "Municipal Dialogue" project initiated by the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government (VARMSU), a conference of the heads of representative bodies of administrative centres of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event was attended by Evgeny Grachev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Domestic Policy of the Russian Federation; VARMSU Co-Chairs Irina Guseva and Senator Andrei Shevchenko; Head of Melitopol Galina Danilchenko; as well as representatives of the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Ministry of Construction, and chairpersons of city councils of regional centres.

The agenda included experience exchange and building cooperation. Now, not only municipal employees but also representative bodies of the administrative centres of the Russian Federation will be able to improve the local governance system.

Evgeny Grachev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Domestic Policy of the Russian Federation:

"Our task is to establish work in such a way that local self-government bodies are integrated into a unified system of public authority, and all residents' issues are resolved promptly. Today's first meeting with the deputies will help identify existing challenges." 

Irina Guseva, Co-Chair of VARMSU, Member of the Presidium of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for the Development of Local Self-Government:

"The municipal community is not only about heads and municipal employees. It also includes the deputies. These are opinion leaders directly elected by the citizens. These are people of various professions who, as a rule, do not work as full-time deputies. We also need to learn how to talk to them, and we need to learn to listen to them, because they represent the interests of our residents."  

Alexei Yeresko, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing, and Utilities of the Russian Federation, emphasized the importance of feedback from local levels. He highlighted the decision to extend the implementation of the program for creating a comfortable urban environment until 2030, supported by the President of Russia, taking into account the active involvement of residents.

As noted by Andrei Shevchenko, Senator of the Russian Federation, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government, and Northern Affairs, and Co-Chair of VARMSU, significant measures have been taken at the federal level to support municipalities and their representative bodies. Additional guarantees for the rights of municipalities in the exercise of state powers have been established. 

The importance of joint efforts was also discussed by deputies who are participants in the special military operation.

"Today we feel support from many regions, both in the restoration of destroyed enterprises and infrastructure and in the process of integration into Russia's political system. Today’s conference is an opportunity for me to meet friends who constantly assist in the work of our city council. In October 2024, we signed a cooperation agreement with our colleagues from Ulyanovsk. We strive to adopt their experience. Special thanks to VARMSU for supporting us in our work," said Sergei Tsemkalo, Chair of the Council of Deputies of the city of Lugansk (LPR). 

"I thank the President for the 'Time of Heroes' program. It provided me with a basic set of knowledge that helps in my work as a deputy," emphasized Evgeny Chintsov, Chair of the City Duma of Nizhny Novgorod, a veteran of the Special Military Operation, who was awarded the Order of Courage three times (in 2008, 2015, and 2023) and the Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II class.

During the plenary session, roundtables, and master classes, participants discussed issues of personnel training, adjustments to the regulatory framework, and several other topics important for improving the quality of life in municipalities.

It is worth noting that in 2024, President of Russia Vladimir Putin legislatively established VARMSU as the sole organization representing the interests of the municipal community, including on the international stage. The conference of deputies held in Moscow significantly expands the scope of the association.