The Chelyabinsk Legislative Assembly considers changing holiday rules for deputies
In the meeting room of the Legislative Assembly of the Chelyabinsk Region, officials discussed relaxing the rules that govern deputies’ holidays. The published draft law proposes a change so that deputies will not lose their powers simply because they miss a session during a recess. The aim is to create a more stable working schedule that accommodates breaks without triggering punitive consequences for non-attendance.
Under the proposed amendments, taking part in meetings during holiday periods would be treated as a valid reason for absence and would not constitute grounds for early loss of authority. This shift is designed to acknowledge the realities of parliamentary work in a region where school holidays often coincide with legislative sessions, potentially affecting attendance.
Oleg Gerber, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, commented that allowing one holiday per year is a reasonable step given the calendar alignment with school breaks. He noted that, as part of the changes, one of the speaker’s privileges will be adjusted: the authority to nominate candidates for committee chairs will be transferred to the deputies of the assembly and individual elected officials, effectively broadening participation in leadership selection.
The rule permitting the dismissal of MPs for ignoring parliamentary duties was introduced into regional law in 2023. Up to that point, the law listed twelve grounds for deprivation of authority, including voluntary departure, permanent relocation abroad, and court orders. The new draft law appears to be part of ongoing efforts to clarify and modernize the field of political accountability within the region, balancing duties with the realities of public service.
Earlier, amendments to the second reading of a draft bill related to the Criminal Code raised thresholds for major and particularly large taxation-related compensation. The changes, described in legislative discussions, aim to adjust financial penalties and ensure that measures mirror the scale of offenses.
The proposed policy also touches on restrictions for MPs traveling to sensitive regions. Specifically, travel to the Northern Military Region requires appropriate authorization, framing mobility within security considerations that govern regional governance and national interests. These provisions underscore the careful management of official duties and travel under oversight frameworks that guide regional governance.
Analysts project that the reform package could influence how deputies approach attendance, official leave, and leadership appointments. By aligning attendance expectations with actual working conditions, the legislative body seeks to preserve continuity in governance while respecting the personal realities of its members. The debate continues to focus on how best to balance accountability with fair and practical governance, especially in times when the calendar creates unavoidable conflicts between school holidays and parliamentary sessions. (Citation: Legislative Assembly of the Chelyabinsk Region)