Politics
Local self-government: France must pursue decentralisation and clarify division of powers, says Congress
The Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has called on France to pursue decentralisation, clarify the division of powers between the state and subnational authorities and provide better protection for mayors.
Adopting its recommendation based on a report by Bryony Rudkin (United Kingdom, L, SOC/G/PD) and Matija Kovac (Serbia, R, EPP/CCE), after their visits in 2023 to monitor implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the Congress welcomed France’s planned decentralisation reforms, the general clause of competence enjoyed by municipalities, France’s ratification of the Charter’s Additional protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority, the granting of special status to Paris in 2019 and the frequent references to the Charter in legal proceedings relating to local or regional governance.
The report underlined certain points that deserve particular attention, especially the incomplete decentralisation mentioned in the Court of Auditors’ 2023 annual public report; unclear distribution of powers; over-regulation of powers delegated to local authorities, and a gradual reduction in local taxation leading to excessive centralisation of local authority funding.
Local authorities lacked proportional funding from central government, were increasingly dependent on subsidies and contractual funding and consultation mechanisms were mainly used as channels for informing local and regional authorities of central government initiatives, plans and regulations, the report said. It also expressed concern at the increasing threats and attacks against mayors and local elected representatives from society at large, often via social networks, jeopardising democratic local governance. National authorities needed to strengthen legal protection of mayors and extend limitation periods in criminal matters.
The Congress called for the recently announced decentralisation reforms to be pursued and for division of power to be clarified, with over-regulation avoided. Fiscal autonomy should be strengthened and the costs of exercising delegated powers should be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are proportionately financed. It also stressed the importance of reducing local authorities’ dependence on contractual funding and central transfers, while implementing genuine consultation mechanisms.
The debate was followed by an exchange of views with Dominique Faure, French Minister with responsibility for Local Government and Rural Affairs, who then participated in a round table on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Congress.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to strip 34 traitors of state awards to Ukraine
The document, published on the official website of the Ukrainian president, puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to strip persons considered traitors to Ukraine of state awards, UNIAN reported.
These persons include former civil servants, deputies, heads of the SBU and the Prosecutor General’s Office, prosecutors, artists, as well as Russian political, religious and cultural figures. All of them are deprived of state awards of Ukraine indefinitely.
In addition, ten of them are subject to the maximum package of sanctions – 21 types of measures, including blocking assets, cancellation of licenses and permits, as well as complete cessation of commercial operations.
Key figures on the list:
Alexander Efremov – former first deputy leader of the political party “Party of Regions” and chairman of the corresponding faction. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree.
Renat Kuzmin – former First Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, holder of the Orders of Merit II-III degree and the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Viktor Medvedchuk – former deputy and close ally of Russia. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, as well as the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Other famous names:
Dmitry Tabachnyk – former Minister of Education and Science (2010-2014).
Mykola Azarov – former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014), holder of numerous orders and the title of Honored Economist of Ukraine.
Viktor Pshonka – former Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill – head of the Russian Orthodox Church, deprived of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise I degree.
Artists on the list:
The titles of “People’s Artist of Ukraine” and “Honored Artist of Ukraine” have been stripped from a number of popular Russian performers, including Nikolai Baskov, Philip Kirkorov, Ani Lorak, and Taisiya Povaliy.
Context of the decision:
On November 20, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a bill by President Zelensky that allows for the deprivation of state awards from persons who promote Russia, spread propaganda, or commit other actions against Ukraine.
According to the law, persons deprived of state awards lose all rights and privileges associated with them.
Photo: Ani Lorak / Facebook
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On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
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