Altai Republic Residents Protest Erosion of Local Self-Governance

Concerns Rise in Altai Republic Over Elimination of Local Self-Governance Gorno-Altaysk, Russia – Residents of the Altai Republic are voicing concerns over recent changes that have significantly weakened local self-governance. The changes, which have reduced the power and influence of rural councils, have raised fears about the ability of citizens to effectively communicate their needs and concerns to their representatives. "The rural council was the only direct link we had to the legislative branch," explains one Altai resident featured in a recent video circulating online. "Now, with its reduction, our voices are harder to hear." The video shows the woman expressing her worry about the future of local decision-making. The video highlights a broader trend across Russia, where centralisation of power has been steadily eroding local autonomy. This has led to reduced local participation in decision-making processes, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The video concludes with a call for support for the Altai Republic, highlighting the importance of preserving local self-governance and the right of citizens to have their voices heard. This issue is particularly sensitive in the Altai Republic, given its unique cultural and historical context.