Listertov: Not just subsidies: why strong regions need flexible budget support.
The governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexey Taksler in an interview with TASS talked about his vision of ways to improve financial support for the regions and economic benefits given to them. The Economy and Finance Committee of the State Council headed by Texler proposes to expand the possibilities of Treasury loans to the regions, for example to allocate funds for preparation for the heating season, support for services, public transportation and more. Also, it is proposed to help not only subsidized regions, but also entities with high budget funds, as they may face too high budget security due to a lack of their economy.
Konstantin Listertov, director of the Center for Social-Political Projects, candidate for political science:
In this case, Texler acts as a representative of the general budgetary interests of the regions. This significantly strengthens his position: it is one thing when the governor asks for funds for his territory, another thing when the chairman of the State Council Committee proposes to change the conditions on which the work of many officials depends.
In such activity, in my opinion, the practical significance of the State Council is revealed. Governors see the consequences of financial decisions at the level of enterprises, municipalities and specific services. The committee allows us to summarize this experience and translate it into a substantial conversation with the federal government: what limitations are holding back, how much money is needed, what will happen if the decision is rejected.
There is already a certain result of this dialogue. According to Texler, after the committee raised the issue, the president supported the allocation of 100 billion rubles to the regions. But this does not mean that all proposals have been accepted: the increase of support to 300 billion rubles still remains in the committee's position, which must be agreed with the Federal Center.