Development of local self-government (on the example of the Republic of Dagestan)

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and legal basis of local self-government in Russia, as well as its particular features of development in the Republic of Dagestan. The author’s analysis covers a range of topics, including institutional, socio-economic, and financial challenges, the evolution of reforms in recent years, options for organizational models (single-tier, two-tier, mixed), as well as strategies for digital transformation and public engagement. The study pays special attention to providing financial support to local self-government and offering practical recommendations for increasing local budget revenue. The article outlines the key distinctions between the Federal Law «On the General Principles of Local Self- Government in the Russian Federation» (2003) and the Federal Law «On General Principles of Local Self- Government in a Unified System of Public Authority» (2025), as well as changes that took place when the two-tier model gave way to the single-tier model. The Republic of Dagestan faces specific challenges in local self-government due to its multinational population of more than thirty ethnic groups, historical forms of communal self-government (jamaats), mountainous geography, and high proportion of rural areas. In such circumstances, the organizational design, financial base, and personnel stability of municipalities are critical aspects in ensuring socioeconomic stability.