Deltaria

[Rogue]

Tsargrad - Congres has passed the "Regional Reform and Efficiency Act" or RREA last night, with the Senate approving of the legislation in the late hours of the night. The bill is a major accomplishment for the ruling KDU and Prime Minister Horvat, with it being a important part of his domestic agenda. The new reforms significantly reform local and provincial government, with the number of provinces to be extended. The crownlands are to be fully split into five new provinces: Czarland, Biser na Moru (Pearl on the Sea), Vladavina kraljeva (Dominion of Kings) and Svete Zemlje (Holy lands). These provinces will all have their own directly elected governor and provincial council. Provinces under the new reforms will largely be responsible for Sustainable spatial development, including water management, regional accessibility and regional public transport, Cultural infrastructure and preservation and the regional economy. The province of Doraki is to be split into the new, smaller Doraki and the new province of Granica (Borderland). 

Interestingly enough the provinces of Usmarea and Vardissza largely retain their borders and administration. These two provinces have also been granted special status within the law, being allowed to maintain their own courts, law enforcement agencies, educational policies and get more influence over culture and language. This special status is largely thanks to the "majority-minority" makeup of the two provinces. With the reorganization of the provinces, the government hopes to bring provinces closer to the people and make them govern more effectively. With smaller territories to oversee and their status entrenched in law, these provinces should find it easier to effectively manage themselves. 

Importantly the reforms also touch municipal administrations. Under the new law, municipalities are encouraged to merge if they are urban in nature, with urban municipalities that merge being granted considerable tax and subsidy advantages. Rural municipalities are to be supported with more state subsidies in a effort to keep them effective and affloat. Minister of Domestic Affairs Dominik Pejić explained during the legislative process that this system seeks to keep rural populations connected with their often smaller municipal administrations, while encouraging more efficiency within urban centers that often have less social cohesion. In the end, municipal administrations should be effective and approachable. The RREA also changes the appointment of mayors, with the Emperor no longer free to choose whoever he wishes. Instead, the municipal council puts forth a candidate for mayor which should then be "seriously considered" for the position by the Emperor. Only with a signature of both the provincial governor and the Emperor does a mayor take office. With this change, the government seeks to increase council authority over the appointment of their mayor. 

The law takes effect immediately, with the Ministry of Domestic Affairs having reserved two billion in a effort to guide the transition and help provincial and local governments to effectively start their administrations.