Publicity at the Formation of Municipal Authorities of European States

The establishment of democratic state in Russia requires the compulsive practical realization of the publicity principle that consists in the ultimate transparency of public legal relations. The process of establishing local authorities also refers to them. In this connection, the researches appealed to the experience of those European states, which are notable for their municipal traditions, firmly formed long ago. The comparative analysis of various ways to elect authority in municipalities of European states was carried out. This analysis is carried out in terms of ensuring transparency of formation of local authorities as the compulsive characteristic of local government that consults citizens’ interests. The formation of local authorities in legal systems of various states is considered in conjunction with economic, social, cultural, historical, political and other determinants that influence the institution of local government. The experience of Russia that ratified European Charter of Local Self-Government is compared with the experience of other European countries in the matter of forming authorities in municipalities. As the result of work, we have theoretical conclusions about the possibilities of applying elements of the European experience while exercising publicity when forming local authorities in Russia. The author also provides practical recommendations for Russian legislation improvement. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s7p41