On 10 October, public hearings on amendments to the regional Constitution will be held in Yakutia, initiated by the head of the republic. Journalist Vitaly Obedin provided more details on the proposed changes. (7×7 – Edition) brought his post to attention.
- The Constitution is proposed to remove guarantees for free secondary vocational education and the requirement for parents to ensure their children’s education in high school. Only basic education up to 9th grade will now remain compulsory.
- The regional head’s mandate to interact with public associations has been removed. He or she will now work only with other government bodies.
- The head of the region, with the status of acting governor, will have the right to dissolve the government.
- The head of the republic will be granted the right to sell precious metals and stones from the State Repository. Previously, he was responsible for the safety of these resources.
- The definition of local self-government is being changed to be more vague. Local self-government is losing its clear right to property and finances, as well as the right to hold local referendums.
- The document removes any mention of citizens’ rights to elected mayors and other officials.
“This is a blatantly anti-people draft document aimed at centralising and strengthening the personal power of the head of Yakutia. It has nothing to do with the interests of the population,” Obedin noted.
Novaya gazeta
