Local government reform: the experience of Latvia

Abstract

The paper deals with the experience of reforms of local self-government and administrative and territorial structure in Latvia after its independence was restored. The following components and directions of reform are systematically and elementally studied: organizational and structural aspect; functional transformations; restructuring of the framework of interaction with the central government; problems of financing of powers and formation of local budgets; administrative and territorial division reform; regional development programs; accountability and state supervision. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the feasibility and expediency of using the experience of Latvian local self-government reforms in the context of finalization of the decentralization reform in Ukraine and further reforms in this sector.