Starosta of a territorial community in conditions of war and state of emergency: modern challenges

Abstract

This study is aimed at analyzing the transformation of the legal status and managerial functions of the starosta in the local government system of Ukraine under the influence of the decentralization reform and the challenges of the martial law legal regime. The work aims to identify key institutional barriers that hinder the effective activity of starostas in crisis conditions, and to substantiate strategic directions for modernization of legislation in order to strengthen the resilience of territorial communities. Special attention is paid to the development of an adaptive model of the functioning of starosta districts as self-organized subject systems.

The methodological foundation of the study is based on a systemic approach, which allowed us to consider the institution of starosta as a dynamic element of municipal governance in conditions of nonlinearity. The use of methods of comparative legal analysis contributed to the identification of gaps in the profile legislation. A synergistic approach was used to substantiate the principles of self-organization of territorial communities.

The author reveals the inconsistency of the status of the starosta of a territorial community with security requirements and his isolation from strategic management due to his absence in the composition of crisis headquarters. The shortage of resources is exacerbated by the legal uncertainty of financial powers and mechanisms for managing district funds. The transition to the anti-crisis leadership model with an emphasis on strategic competencies and digitalization as a means of overcoming the personnel crisis in wartime is justified. The author identifies the need to revise the regulatory field to eliminate the gap in the interaction of starosta of a territorial community with military administrations and law enforcement agencies. The introduction of a "fast budget" mechanism for the operational implementation of humanitarian and infrastructure tasks at the district level is recommended. The theoretical value of the work lies in the justification of a synergistic model, where the starosta of a territorial community is a facilitator of direct democracy and local initiatives. The practical implementation of these changes will allow transforming starosta of a territorial community districts into active systems that will ensure the stability of communities in wartime and sustainable development in the post-war period. Further research should focus on the digitalization of municipal services and the management of deoccupied territories.