FORMATION OF COALITIONS IN LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES: FOREIGN AND UKRAINIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The main principles of coalition formation in representative bodies of local self-government are studied. The rational motives that guide political actors in forming coalitions at the local level are identified and systematized. A comparative analysis of Ukrainian and foreign experience of coalition practice is carried out. The achievements of the theory of rational choice, the neo-institutional approach, comparative analysis and the system method are used as the methodological basis. The main results of the study demonstrate that, unlike the national level, where ideological and programmatic factors dominate, the formation of coalitions in local self-government bodies of European countries is characterized by the prevalence of pragmatic considerations: the distribution of positions in executive bodies, control over budgetary resources, access to decision-making processes. European experience (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium) demonstrates the institutionalization of coalition practices through the formalization of coalition agreements, a clear distribution of portfolios, and the creation of conflict management mechanisms. It was found that in Ukraine, the formation of coalitions at the local level is characterized by a high degree of informality, personalization of relations, the dominance of local business groups, and weakness of party discipline. The conclusions are drawn: the rationalization of coalition processes at the local level in Ukraine requires institutional reforms aimed at the formalization of coalition agreements, strengthening the party structuring of local councils, and the creation of effective mechanisms of public control.