Nr. 139: Governors and Mayors

This edition examines the role of Governors and Mayors, and regional inequalities. Firstly, David Lane outlines that with marketization, growing inequalities have emerged among regions in the Russian Federation, and that the orthodox neoliberal approach of Russian policy-makers is exacerbating rather than reversing this trend. It is suggested that only comprehensive state regulation can lead to greater equality between regions. Secondly, Paul Goode assesses the impact of the return of gubernatorial elections to Russia in 2012. It is noted that the Kremlin is faced with a dilemma: if it continues to heap blame on regional leaders for economic failures and declining trust in the country’s political institutions, then the ranks of volunteers willing to serve as governor will dwindle, but if it seeks to attract capable candidates to stand for governor, it may be forced to decentralize power and to allow an opening of regional elections to more opposition candidates. Thirdly, Joel Moses analyses how Mayors in Russia have become extremely vulnerable due to pressure from appointed regional governors and the institution of a dual chief-executive city manager form of government in many jurisdictions. As a result, the governability of Russian cities as a whole has suffered with uncertainty about the long-term political effects. Fourthly, Colin Reisser looks at corporate power in a typical monotown, Norilsk, in which the predominant company, Norilsk Nickel, essentially holds all power. He notes that with the collapse of state subsidies for northern cities, Norilsk Nickel is trying to shrink the population of the city, relocating residents who are not essential to mining and production operations. The result being that the city will provide fewer services to its inhabitants and will not pursue efforts to diversify.