Political coalitions in local self-government bodies in the conditions of decentralization

Abstract

The study is devoted to the analysis of the specifics of the formation and functioning of political coalitions at the level of local self-government in the context of decentralization of power in Ukraine. The features of the coalition interaction of political forces in local councils are revealed. The impact of decentralization reforms on the mechanisms of coordination of interests is analyzed and problematic aspects of collective decision-making at the local level are identified. It is established that decentralization has created a new context for the functioning of coalitions at the local level. The transfer of powers and resources from the center to local self-government, the formation of united territorial communities and the growth of the role of local councils have transformed coalition processes. The specifics of local coalitions compared to parliamentary ones are revealed: a greater role of personalized factors and local elites, weaker party discipline, higher dependence on regional leaders and business groups. The problems of collective coordination are systematized: lack of legal regulation of coalition formation, conflict between party logic and local interests, insufficient institutionalization of coalition agreements, problems of coordination between the council and executive bodies. Types of coalitions in local councils are identified: party-ideological, regional-clan, project-oriented and hybrid models. It is proven that the success of coalition interaction depends on the quality of political leadership, civic activity, and the effectiveness of communication between partners. Prospects for further research are identified, including the development of mechanisms for institutionalizing local coalitions; identifying the impact of martial law on coalition processes in local self-government bodies; studying international experience in coalition formation at the local level, in particular in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe with the aim of adapting it to Ukrainian realities; studying the role of civil society and mechanisms of public control over the implementation of coalition agreements at the local level; analysis of the relationship between the type of coalition in the local council and the effectiveness of community management, the quality of public service provision and the pace of socio-economic development of territories.