The Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) is actively advocating against proposed limits on mayoral terms, citing constitutional violations and negative consequences for community residents. Executive Director Oleksandr Slobozhan expressed concerns about the impact of such term limits and referenced international studies to support his stance. The AUC has also addressed issues such as pressure on local governments, reverse subsidies, and the retention of single tax revenues within communities. Recent governmental decisions and proposed legislation threaten the operation of public services, raising alarms about potential shutdowns. The AUC calls for preserving community financial autonomy to maintain services and safeguard citizen welfare. These developments underscore the critical role of the AUC in ensuring fair and democratic governance at the local level.
What are the main concerns of the Association of Ukrainian Cities regarding mayoral term limits?
The Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) argues that limiting mayoral terms may lead to constitutional violations and have negative repercussions for the communities they serve. They stress that such limits reduce the autonomy of local governance, potentially destabilizing communities by frequently altering leadership and policy direction. The AUC references international research to highlight that term limits can compromise long-term strategic planning necessary for community development.
Why is the Association of Ukrainian Cities advocating against the removal of single tax revenues from local budgets?
The AUC is against the removal of single tax revenues from local budgets as these funds are crucial for the financial stability and independence of communities. These taxes support essential services like hospitals, schools, and infrastructure maintenance. Removing them would place a heavy burden on local governments, potentially leading to service cuts or increased local taxation to offset the losses. Such actions could disrupt community operations and negatively impact citizens' quality of life.
How does the Association of Ukrainian Cities view the government's Budget Declaration for 2025-2027?
The Association of Ukrainian Cities strongly opposes the Government's Budget Declaration for 2025-2027, which they believe contains unacceptable provisions that would reduce local community revenues. The AUC argues that these reductions undermine financial autonomy, limiting the communities' ability to provide necessary services and meet citizens' needs effectively. They emphasize the importance of maintaining sufficient funding to ensure stable and consistent delivery of essential services to citizens.
What issues did Vitali Klitschko address about local authorities at the Ukrainian Municipal Forum?
At the Ukrainian Municipal Forum, Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv and Chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, addressed the mounting pressure on local authorities from law enforcement agencies. He highlighted that such pressures undermine local governance and compromise the autonomy and efficacy of municipal administrations. Klitschko emphasized the importance of safeguarding local authority independence to ensure effective governance and service delivery to the community.
What are the potential consequences of the draft law No. 6013 on local public services according to the AUC?
The Association of Ukrainian Cities warns that draft law No. 6013 could lead to the shutdown of essential public services such as hospitals, schools, and utilities. The AUC argues that the legislation would severely impair the operational capacity of these services by disrupting budget allocations necessary for their maintenance. The organization stresses that such measures would have detrimental effects on community health, education, and infrastructure, ultimately affecting citizens' welfare and quality of life.
