Russian Holidays - Local Government Day

On April 21, from 2013 onwards, the Russian Federation celebrates Local Government Day. The presidential decree on the holiday was signed in 2012. This holiday was introduced to strengthen the role of the institution of local self-government and the development of democracy in the country. Festive events are held on this day. The date of the holiday itself has a historical basis. In 1785, Empress Catherine II, on the same date, issued a “Charter of Complaint” for cities. Literally, this document was called as follows: “Certificate of the rights and benefits of Mr. Russian Empire.” It included: Manifesto, about twenty sections and over 150 articles. This document gave all city residents the same class status, regardless of income. The document envisaged the development of cities and the enhancement of the institution of local self-government. Subsequently, Alexander II carried out city and zemstvo reforms. This led to the emergence of city councils and councils starting in the 1870s. After the October Revolution, the idea of ​​self-government was crossed out until the end of the 1980s. Since 1993, a renewed stage in the development of city self-government began; the reform and development of this branch of government continues to this day. This political institution has its own functions: approves the local budget, compiles expenses, income and reports in the local treasury of the city, adopts and develops rules by which municipal formation is conducted locally, as well as adopts and develops programs for its development, sets taxes and fees, controls over their management and over the activities of officials who are members of local government bodies. Thanks to this institution of self-government, the appearance of Russian cities and villages has changed qualitatively. The situation in cities and regions directly depends on the level of work of local governments. The standard of living and work of citizens of these regions, territories and cities depends on self-government bodies. The holiday is not a day off, but it is solemnly celebrated throughout the Russian Federation.