Suchergebnisse

Local political leaders in Ukraine are far from oriented to the democratic transition introduced after the country's independence in 1991. Based on interviews with local political leaders in late 1991, research on local governments supports the conclusion that the local leaders have taken a small step toward a new social order. This is particularly true of the leaders' values concerning popular participation and social conflicts. One of the major reasons for this ambivalence of leaders is the fact that the powers of local governments are very limited as well as ambiguous and that competing political elites have yet to be formed into political parties. Nonetheless, a legal framework has been set for local self-government, and there are indications, however weak, that some elements of democratic views and practices are taking hold.

Based on interviews with local political leaders in Ukraine in late 1991, it appears that local governments have taken only a small step toward a new democratic social order. This is particularly true of the leaders' values concerning popular participation & social conflicts. One reason for this ambivalence is the fact that the powers of local governments are very limited as well as ambiguous, & that competing political elites have yet to be formed into political parties. Nonetheless, a legal framework has been established for local self-government, & there are indications that some elements of democratic views & practices are taking hold. 1 Table. Adapted from the source document.