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The Legislative Duma of Tomsk Oblast
December 8, 2009 Legal Committee backed Governor's proposal
The deputies on the Legal Committee of the Tomsk Oblast State Duma considered a proposal of the Tomsk Oblast Governor to extend the Rules of Procedure of the Oblast parliament. Head of the region suggested fixing in the Rules the right of the Governor or his authorized representatives to comment on criticism of the deputies who speak up during the sessions of the Oblast Duma.
Currently, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure, the Governor is entitled to take part in the Duma sessions, initiate convocation of extraordinary sessions, make proposals as to the agenda, submit bills for the deputies’ consideration, deliver a summary of the agenda items.
Also, the Rules of Procedure provide time for the deputies to make brief statements at the Duma sessions which are not further discussed and do not involve decision-making. Many deputies take advantage of this opportunity.
Some of the statements criticize the executive authorities of the Oblast. The authors of the amendments to the Rules believe that additions to the Rules proposed by the Governor will officially establish the right of the Governor to respond to the deputies’ criticism and proposals.
One of the deputies, Vladimir Dolgikh said that the proposal was “sensible but tardy”.
‘They say criticism is easy. However, lately there is not much criticism around, which means it not at all so easy. I do receive official written comments on my statements but not all of the observations are covered. Yet much of what is spoken up is based on facts.’
The deputies on the Committee approved the draft amendments on the whole and submitted them for consideration by the General Duma Ses
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