Discretionary powers: threats and opportunities for the development of local government in Ukraine
Keywords:
discretionary powers of authorities and officials of local government, sole discretion, decentralization of power, local government reforming
Abstract
The essence of discretionary powers of authorities and officials of local government has been developed, and possible dangers associated with their implementation in the context of the local government development in Ukraine have been outlined. The study attempts to specify the nature of these powers with due regard to the specific features of local government and outline approaches for improving the regulation of relations in the exercise of discretionary powers. The need for further researches in this area in the field of public administration, in particular, regarding the practiceoriented research support to activities of authorities and officials of local government in this area, has been substantiated.The article focuses on the importance of not only reducing the number of discretionary powers, but also ensuring the proper monitoring of the exercise of such powers on the basis of law, justice, and expediency. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen accountability of authorities and officials of local government, including the social and political accountability and development of practices of public control over the decisionmaking in the field of local government. The research results confirm the relevance of an issue of the formation of competence of officials on the matters of the exercise of discretionary powers. It is recommended to develop the techniques of making decisions or actions during the implementation of discretionary powers as methodological support. This methodology is based on the requirements of the Administrative Court Procedure Code of Ukraine and existing methodologies with anticorruption expertise.It has been noted that discretionary powers of authorities and officials of local government make it possible to increase the level of their freedom in the activities concerning the functions of local government. It gains in particular importance in the absence of decisionmaking opportunities otherwise. However, these powers necessitate ensuring a high level of legal culture, accountability and efficient control mechanisms, protection of citizens from harm caused as a result of the exercise of such powers. Introduction of prefects has been considered as opportunities for monitoring the implementation of discretionary power in local government, especially, regarding the observation of law.Regulation of the performance of a significant amount of powers related to the regulation of relations between a local government authority and individuals and legal entities in different spheres of life is revealed as a means of reducing the corruption factor in their performance. The focus of this regulation, as concluded by the study, should be given to the determination of basic conditions, terms of decisions or actions, accountability for their failure or improper performance.References
1. Armash, N.O., 2014. Pryntsypy realizatsiyi dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’ derzhavnymy politychnymy diyachamy [The principles of implementation of discretionary powers by state political leaders]. Derzhava i pravo. Seriya : Pravo 4 (46), 19 – 25. Access mode: file:///C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Temp/drp_2014_4_6.pdf. (in Ukrainian).
2. Byelkin, M.L. Povnovazhennya administratyvnykh sudiv shchodo kontrolyu za dyskretsiynoyu vladoyu [The powers of administrative courts to control discretionary power]. Access mode: http://nauka.kushnir.mk.ua/?p=68998 (in Ukrainian).
3. Venher, V.M., 2013. Obmezhennya dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’ yak skladova pryntsypu verkhovenstva prava [Limitation of discretion as part of the rule of law]. Naukovi zapysky. Yurydychni nauky 144 – 145, 49 – 54. Access mode: file:///C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Temp/NaUKMAun_2013_144145_13.pdf (in Ukrainian).
4. Kobyl’nyk, D.A., 2015. Deyaki mirkuvannya stosovno dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’ orhaniv, shcho zdiysnyuyut’ finansovu diyal’nist’ v Ukrayini [Some considerations concerning the discretionary powers of carrying out financial operations in Ukraine]. Teoriya i praktyka pravoznavstva 2 (8). Access mode: http://tlaw.nlu.edu.ua/article/viewFile/63824/59304 (in Ukrainian).
5. Kodeks administratyvnoho sudochynstva Ukrayiny: Kodeks Ukrayiny vid 6 lypnya 2005 r. № 2747IV [Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine: Ukraine Code of 6 July 2005 r. Number 2747IV]. Access mode: http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/274715 (in Ukrainian).
6. Kozyubra, M.I., 2012. Verkhovenstvo prava i Ukrayina [Rule of law i Ukraine]. Pravo Ukrayiny 1 – 2, 30 – 63. Access mode: http://cau.in.ua/ua/activities/analytics/id/kozjubram.i.verhovenstvopravaiukrajina632/ (in Ukrainian).
7. Kurchin i partnery. Dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya orhaniv derzhavnoyi vlady – yak pidstava vidmovy v zadovolenni administratyvnoho pozovu [Kurchin and partners. The discretionary powers of public authorities as a reason to dismiss the administrative action]. Access mode: http://kurchin.com.ua/uk/yuridichninovini/diskreciynipovnovazhennyaorganivderzhvladi (in Ukrainian).
8. Les’kov, P. Verkhovenstvo prava chy dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya chynovnyka? [The rule of law or official discretion?]. Access mode: http://blog.liga.net/user/pleskov/article/17013.aspx (in Ukrainian).
9. Metodolohiyi provedennya hromads’koyi antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy. Tsentr politykopravovykh doslidzhen’ [Methodology of civic anticorruption expertise. Center for Political and Legal Studies]. Access mode: http://pravo.org.ua/ua/news/5226metodologiyaprovedennyagromadskoyiantikoruptsiynoyiekspertizi (in Ukrainian).
10. Metodolohiya provedennya antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy : nakaz Ministerstva yustytsiyi Ukrayiny vid 23 chervnya 2010 r. № 1380/5 [Methodology of anticorruption expertise: Order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on 23 June 2010 r. № 1380/5]. Access mode: http://zakon5.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/v138032310 (in Ukrainian).
11. Metodolohiya provedennya hromads’koyi antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy: zahal’ni zasady, za pidtrymky Prohramy rozvytku OON, 2012 r [The methodology of civic anticorruption expertise: general principles, supported by UNDP, 2012]. Access mode: http://tiukraine.org/system/files/library/methodology.pdf (in Ukrainian).
12. Pro zatverdzhennya Metodolohiyi provedennya antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy proektiv normatyvnopravovykh aktiv : postanova Kabinetu Ministriv Ukrayiny vid 8 hrudnya 2009 r. № 1346 [On approval of the Methodology for anticorruption expertise of draft legal acts: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 8 December 2009 r. 1346]. Access mode: http://zakon5.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/13462009vr (in Ukrainian).
13. Pro mistseve samovryaduvannya v Ukrayini : zakon Ukrayiny vid 21 travnya 1997 r. № 280/97VR [On local government in Ukraine: the law of Ukraine on May 21, 1997]. Access mode: http://zakon0.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/280/97vr (in Ukrainian).
14. Rezolyutsiya № (77) 31 Pro zakhyst osoby stosovno aktiv administratyvnykh orhaniv vlady, pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 28 veresnya 1977 r [Resolution № (77) 31 on protection of the individual in relation to acts of administrative authorities, adopted by the Committee of Ministers 28 September 1977]. (in Ukrainian).
15. Rekomendatsiya № R (91) 1 Derzhavamchlenam stosovno administratyvnykh sanktsiy, pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 13 lyutoho 1991 r [Recommendation № R (91) 1 to Member States on administrative sanctions adopted by the Committee of Ministers February 13, 1991]. Access mode: http://pravo.org.ua/files/zarub_zakon/Rec_1991.pdf (in Ukrainian).
16. Rekomendatsiya № R (80) 2 Derzhavamchlenam «Stosovno realizatsiyi administratyvnymy orhanamy vlady dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’», pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 11 bereznya 1980 r [Recommendation № R (80) 2 Member States «Regarding the implementation of the administrative authorities discretionary powers», adopted by the Committee of Ministers 11 March 1980]. (in Ukrainian).
17. Tanasyuk, O. Dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya orhaniv mistsevoho samovryaduvannya ta sfery yikh zastosuvannya [Discretionary powers of local authorities and their scope]. http://moyagazeta.com/news/a7627.html (in Ukrainian).
18. Khavronyuk, M.I. Peredmova do Naukovopraktychnoho komentarya do Zakonu Ukrayiny «Pro zasady zapobihannya i protydiyi koruptsiyi» [Introduction to Scientificpractical commentary to the Law of Ukraine «On Principles of Prevention and Combating Corruption»]. Access mode: http://www.zakonoproekt.org.ua/peredmovadonaukovopraktichnoghokomentaryadozakonuprozasadiprotidijikoruptsiji.aspx (in Ukrainian).
19. Yurydychna entsyklopediya [Legal Encyclopedia]. 1998. «Ukr. entsykl.» 2. Kyiv. Access mode: http://cyclop.com.ua/content/view/1051/58/1/7/№12739 (in Ukrainian).
2. Byelkin, M.L. Povnovazhennya administratyvnykh sudiv shchodo kontrolyu za dyskretsiynoyu vladoyu [The powers of administrative courts to control discretionary power]. Access mode: http://nauka.kushnir.mk.ua/?p=68998 (in Ukrainian).
3. Venher, V.M., 2013. Obmezhennya dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’ yak skladova pryntsypu verkhovenstva prava [Limitation of discretion as part of the rule of law]. Naukovi zapysky. Yurydychni nauky 144 – 145, 49 – 54. Access mode: file:///C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Temp/NaUKMAun_2013_144145_13.pdf (in Ukrainian).
4. Kobyl’nyk, D.A., 2015. Deyaki mirkuvannya stosovno dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’ orhaniv, shcho zdiysnyuyut’ finansovu diyal’nist’ v Ukrayini [Some considerations concerning the discretionary powers of carrying out financial operations in Ukraine]. Teoriya i praktyka pravoznavstva 2 (8). Access mode: http://tlaw.nlu.edu.ua/article/viewFile/63824/59304 (in Ukrainian).
5. Kodeks administratyvnoho sudochynstva Ukrayiny: Kodeks Ukrayiny vid 6 lypnya 2005 r. № 2747IV [Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine: Ukraine Code of 6 July 2005 r. Number 2747IV]. Access mode: http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/274715 (in Ukrainian).
6. Kozyubra, M.I., 2012. Verkhovenstvo prava i Ukrayina [Rule of law i Ukraine]. Pravo Ukrayiny 1 – 2, 30 – 63. Access mode: http://cau.in.ua/ua/activities/analytics/id/kozjubram.i.verhovenstvopravaiukrajina632/ (in Ukrainian).
7. Kurchin i partnery. Dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya orhaniv derzhavnoyi vlady – yak pidstava vidmovy v zadovolenni administratyvnoho pozovu [Kurchin and partners. The discretionary powers of public authorities as a reason to dismiss the administrative action]. Access mode: http://kurchin.com.ua/uk/yuridichninovini/diskreciynipovnovazhennyaorganivderzhvladi (in Ukrainian).
8. Les’kov, P. Verkhovenstvo prava chy dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya chynovnyka? [The rule of law or official discretion?]. Access mode: http://blog.liga.net/user/pleskov/article/17013.aspx (in Ukrainian).
9. Metodolohiyi provedennya hromads’koyi antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy. Tsentr politykopravovykh doslidzhen’ [Methodology of civic anticorruption expertise. Center for Political and Legal Studies]. Access mode: http://pravo.org.ua/ua/news/5226metodologiyaprovedennyagromadskoyiantikoruptsiynoyiekspertizi (in Ukrainian).
10. Metodolohiya provedennya antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy : nakaz Ministerstva yustytsiyi Ukrayiny vid 23 chervnya 2010 r. № 1380/5 [Methodology of anticorruption expertise: Order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on 23 June 2010 r. № 1380/5]. Access mode: http://zakon5.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/v138032310 (in Ukrainian).
11. Metodolohiya provedennya hromads’koyi antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy: zahal’ni zasady, za pidtrymky Prohramy rozvytku OON, 2012 r [The methodology of civic anticorruption expertise: general principles, supported by UNDP, 2012]. Access mode: http://tiukraine.org/system/files/library/methodology.pdf (in Ukrainian).
12. Pro zatverdzhennya Metodolohiyi provedennya antykoruptsiynoyi ekspertyzy proektiv normatyvnopravovykh aktiv : postanova Kabinetu Ministriv Ukrayiny vid 8 hrudnya 2009 r. № 1346 [On approval of the Methodology for anticorruption expertise of draft legal acts: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 8 December 2009 r. 1346]. Access mode: http://zakon5.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/13462009vr (in Ukrainian).
13. Pro mistseve samovryaduvannya v Ukrayini : zakon Ukrayiny vid 21 travnya 1997 r. № 280/97VR [On local government in Ukraine: the law of Ukraine on May 21, 1997]. Access mode: http://zakon0.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/280/97vr (in Ukrainian).
14. Rezolyutsiya № (77) 31 Pro zakhyst osoby stosovno aktiv administratyvnykh orhaniv vlady, pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 28 veresnya 1977 r [Resolution № (77) 31 on protection of the individual in relation to acts of administrative authorities, adopted by the Committee of Ministers 28 September 1977]. (in Ukrainian).
15. Rekomendatsiya № R (91) 1 Derzhavamchlenam stosovno administratyvnykh sanktsiy, pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 13 lyutoho 1991 r [Recommendation № R (91) 1 to Member States on administrative sanctions adopted by the Committee of Ministers February 13, 1991]. Access mode: http://pravo.org.ua/files/zarub_zakon/Rec_1991.pdf (in Ukrainian).
16. Rekomendatsiya № R (80) 2 Derzhavamchlenam «Stosovno realizatsiyi administratyvnymy orhanamy vlady dyskretsiynykh povnovazhen’», pryynyata Komitetom Ministriv Rady Yevropy 11 bereznya 1980 r [Recommendation № R (80) 2 Member States «Regarding the implementation of the administrative authorities discretionary powers», adopted by the Committee of Ministers 11 March 1980]. (in Ukrainian).
17. Tanasyuk, O. Dyskretsiyni povnovazhennya orhaniv mistsevoho samovryaduvannya ta sfery yikh zastosuvannya [Discretionary powers of local authorities and their scope]. http://moyagazeta.com/news/a7627.html (in Ukrainian).
18. Khavronyuk, M.I. Peredmova do Naukovopraktychnoho komentarya do Zakonu Ukrayiny «Pro zasady zapobihannya i protydiyi koruptsiyi» [Introduction to Scientificpractical commentary to the Law of Ukraine «On Principles of Prevention and Combating Corruption»]. Access mode: http://www.zakonoproekt.org.ua/peredmovadonaukovopraktichnoghokomentaryadozakonuprozasadiprotidijikoruptsiji.aspx (in Ukrainian).
19. Yurydychna entsyklopediya [Legal Encyclopedia]. 1998. «Ukr. entsykl.» 2. Kyiv. Access mode: http://cyclop.com.ua/content/view/1051/58/1/7/№12739 (in Ukrainian).
Published
2016-07-19
How to Cite
Tarasenko, T. (2016). Discretionary powers: threats and opportunities for the development of local government in Ukraine. Public Administration Aspects, 4(6-7), 77-84. https://doi.org/10.15421/151631
Issue
Section
Regional and municipal government
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
When reporting experiments on human subjects, authors should indicate whether the procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (5). If doubt exists whether the research was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, the authors must explain the rationale for their approach, and demonstrate that the institutional review body explicitly approved the doubtful aspects of the study. When reporting experiments on animals, authors should be asked to indicate whether the institutional and national guide for the care and use of laboratory animals was followed.
When reporting experiments on human subjects, authors should indicate whether the procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (5). If doubt exists whether the research was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, the authors must explain the rationale for their approach, and demonstrate that the institutional review body explicitly approved the doubtful aspects of the study. When reporting experiments on animals, authors should be asked to indicate whether the institutional and national guide for the care and use of laboratory animals was followed.
