How did local government authority change in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the authority of local and regional governments in Russia underwent significant shifts characterized by an initial period of decentralization followed by a trend toward increased federal control.

The 1993 constitution guaranteed local self-governance and granted administrative divisions, such as regions (oblasti) and republics, considerable power. During the mid-1990s, municipal government was restructured, replacing former city soviets with city councils (dumas), mayors, and administrators. While some urban centers, notably Moscow and St. Petersburg, maintained significant authority over taxation and business licensing, the powers of local governments remained highly variable across the country.1

However, the central government subsequently implemented measures to consolidate power. In 2000, the creation of federal districts—each overseen by a presidential envoy—allowed the federal government to enforce its authority over regional governments more effectively. Legislative changes further centralized control, such as the 2004 decision to allow the president to appoint regional governors, who were previously elected. Ultimately, while local self-governance is constitutionally protected, national law takes precedence, and the central government has consistently acted to limit the autonomy of regional and local jurisdictions.12