Reforming the Russian Budget System: A Move to More Devolved Budget Management?

May 1, 2005

Preview Citation

Format: Chicago

Jack Diamond. Reforming the Russian Budget System: A Move to More Devolved Budget Management?, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2005) accessed November 24, 2024

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary

The Russian federal government has recently initiated a fundamental reform of its budget system, encompassing important policy, procedural, and institutional changes. This paper reviews this reform agenda with reference to the experience of industrial countries that over the past two to three decades have followed a similar reform path toward a more devolved budget management system. From this perspective, the importance of the strength of existing public expenditure management systems to accommodate increased devolution and the scope for employing decentralized agencies is explored. An assessment of the present Russian reform plans in light of this review reveals a number of concerns. First, the speed of the reforms contemplated appears overly ambitious when judged by the experience of other countries. Second, the preparedness of budget institutions is questionable. Third, change management capacity needs strengthening with a more carefully defined strategy. Last, in light of these concerns, it is argued that the scope and "big-bang" approach of the current reform plans may need reformulation into a more sequenced strategy with clearer reform priorities.

Subject: Budget execution and treasury management, Budget planning and preparation, Fiscal accounting and reporting, Human capital, Performance-based budgeting

Keywords: Core government activity, Government apparatus, Government commission, Government operation, OECD member country, Service delivery, Transition country government, WP

Publication Details

Pages:

25
Volume:

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DOI:

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Issue:

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Series:

Working Paper No. 2005/104
Stock No:

WPIEA2005104
ISBN:

9781451861235
ISSN:

1018-5941

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