Transformation of local self-government in context decentralization of public power in unitary Ukraine

Abstract

The process of transformation of local self-government is connected with solving a complex of problems of its provision. Among them, the constitutional and legal problems of territorial governance, which are the subject of this study, play a significant role. In Ukraine, a course of improvement of Ukrainian unitarism was chosen through widespread decentralization of public power, formation of capable, effective local government on this basis as active interaction and cooperation of subjects, local self-government institutions, executive power, civil society, business environment. This approach actualizes the constitutional and legal discourse of decentralization. The article discusses the issues of constitutional and legislative support for the reform of the territorial organization of power. A constitutional and legal understanding of the decentralization of public power in the context of the provisions of the current Basic Law is given. Modern approaches to amending the Constitution of Ukraine in terms of decentralization of public power, reforming local self-government, and territorial administration are critically analyzed. The novelties of legislative developments concerning territorial governance are considered. The urgency of sectoral decentralization in areas such as local finance, education, health care, social protection, housing and communal services, administrative services, communal land and property, sustainable economic development, human resources, etc. is emphasized. It is noted that, given the principles of constitutionalism, the existing potential of the Constitution should be exploited, the shortcomings of permanent, point-to-point modification overcome, the careful and careful approach to regional level of territorial governance. It is emphasized that the transformation of local self-government in the context of decentralization of public power must be carried out in a comprehensive and systematic manner, taking into account the preservation and strengthening of the unitary nature of Ukraine. Keywords: transformation of local self-government, decentralization of public power, territorial governance, constitutional and legal support of reform, unitary principles of Ukraine.