Powers of village, settlement, and city heads during decentralization and martial law

The article highlights the importance of local self-government bodies. It examines the powers of village, settlement, and city heads and the specifics of their exercise during the final stage of decentralization reform and martial law in Ukraine. It analyzes their legal status as the chief officials of local territorial communities. It states that village, settlement, and city mayors have powers established by law of an organizational, administrative, and consultative nature in many areas of activity of local self-government bodies and delegated by state executive bodies. His rights and obligations, the basics of interaction with the territorial community, the local council and its executive committee, state authorities, municipal enterprises, international organizations, the media, and the public are considered. The principles of service that the village, settlement, and city mayor must strictly adhere to when managing local self-government bodies are indicated. The article highlights changes in legislation regarding the specifics of exercising certain powers of village, settlement, and city heads during the period of martial law in Ukraine, which are aimed at ensuring proper governance in the relevant territory, improving the livelihoods of members of the territorial community, and providing assistance to the defense forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine to repel armed aggression. The importance of applying the liability provided for by law is noted, and some problems are pointed out regarding the disciplinary and other types of legal liability of village, settlement, and city heads for failure to perform or improper performance of their powers and for committing offenses in their professional activities. It emphasizes the urgent need to refine Ukrainian legislation, adopt and consolidate clearer legal norms to enable the personal accountability of village, settlement, and city heads for the exercise of their powers.