CONCEPTUAL BASIS FOR REFORMING THE TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF UKRAINE IN THE PRISM OF FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the characteristics of modern processes of reforming local self-government and administrative-territorial organization, as well as the processes of improving the territorial organization of public authorities in Ukraine. It is substantiated that the purpose of the reform is to introduce effective public authorities to maintain a full living environment for citizens, provide high quality and affordable public services, establish institutions of direct democracy, harmonize the interests of the state and local communities. It is determined that the reform of local self-government and territorial organization of power envisages amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine. Such changes should become the foundation for improving the regulatory framework. The described foreign experience of local self-government reform processes indicates that the decentralization of public power is a complex and responsible process. For Ukraine, the Polish experience of reforming public authorities and the relationship between local self-government and state authorities is indicative. It is indicated that the change of authority should take place with simultaneous changes in the distribution of financial resources. This will guarantee the material and financial basis of local self-government, establish a fair balance of financial resources and the scope of authority. However, the transfer of powers and resources must be accompanied by oversight of the decisions of local authorities and officials by which these powers are exercised and resources are expended. Attempts to regulate such supervision have been made several times - in different years, three bills were submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The latest bill №4298 is the best, but also causes remarks in the expert community. Experts point out that the procedure of state supervision should be clearly defined and should not contain the possibility of an "ambiguous" interpretation. And it is better to make changes to the functional responsibilities of heads of local state administrations not by the Law of Ukraine, but by making changes to the Constitution of Ukraine. However, there is no doubt that such changes are necessary for the successful implementation of decentralization reform and the creation of an effective system of public authority in Ukraine.