Federal Assembly Passes New Municipal Governance Law

The Federal Assembly has officially adopted a new law regarding the organization of local self-government. The legislation was finalized on March 5 following a third reading. This new law serves as the foundational document for municipal authority, replacing the previous legal framework established in 2003. The reform is a direct development of constitutional amendments that were passed five years ago.

The process of creating this legislation spanned three years of extensive discussion. The final text of the law is titled "On the General Principles of Organization of Local Self-Government in the Unified System of Public Power." Its adoption signifies a major update to the legal basis of regional governance. The law aims to align local administrative structures with recent changes to the national constitution.

The legislative process concluded in 2025 with the finalization of the new legal code. The Federal Assembly completed the multi-stage process on March 5. The law was passed during its third reading, which is typically the final hurdle for legislation in this body. This specific law is identified as the "On the General Principles of Organization of Local Self-Government in the Unified System of Public Power."

The adoption of this law marks the end of a lengthy legislative journey. Work on updating the legislation had been ongoing for three years. The primary goal was to develop the constitutional amendments that had been introduced five years prior to the law's passage. By adopting this new framework, the government is implementing changes dictated by the higher-level constitutional adjustments.

The new legislation fundamentally changes the existing legal landscape for local governance. The law adopted on March 5 directly replaces the document that had been in force since 2003. For over two decades, the 2003 document served as the primary legal basis for organizing local self-government. The new law introduces updated principles for how these entities operate within the unified system of public power.

The transition from the 2003 framework to the new 2025 law represents a significant modernization of the legal code. The Federal Assembly ensured that the new text reflects the current political and constitutional reality. Key changes include:

• Alignment with constitutional amendments from five years ago
• Integration into the unified system of public power
• Updated principles for the organization of local self-government

The passage of this law sets a new standard for how local self-government is structured. The legislation focuses on the "unified system of public power" to ensure consistency across regions. By establishing "general principles" rather than specific mandates, the law allows for a standardized approach to municipal organization. This shift is designed to strengthen the connection between local administrative bodies and the broader federal structure.

While the specific operational details are not outlined in the immediate announcement, the structural change is clear. The Federal Assembly has provided the legal foundation for a new era of regional administration. The focus on a unified system suggests a move toward greater integration of local governance within the state apparatus. This ensures that local authorities operate within a framework that supports the overall stability of the public power system.