The Altai Regional Court has rejected a lawsuit challenging a controversial local governance reform backed by the Kremlin, according to court documents. The reform, which seeks to centralize power in regional administrations by eliminating local government bodies in rural communities, has drawn widespread protests, with hundreds of people gathering outside the court ahead of the ruling.
Protesters argue that the reform undermines local autonomy and could lead to increased oversight by central authorities. The Kremlin’s backing of the reform has further intensified concerns about the erosion of regional self-governance. Critics claim that the reform could weaken the ability of rural communities to make decisions affecting their daily lives.
The ruling has sparked debate among local leaders and citizens, with some supporting the reform as a means of improving administrative efficiency, while others condemn it as a move to consolidate power. The Altai case is seen as part of a broader trend of centralizing authority in Russia, with similar reforms proposed in other regions.
As the implementation of the reform proceeds, its long-term impact on local governance and community structures remains a subject of debate. The rejection of the lawsuit signals the Kremlin’s continued support for this policy shift, which is likely to influence the balance of power across the country.