Kabardino-Balkaria's Constitution Under Pressure as Russia Moves Further from Federalism

The appeal follows a protest filed by the regional prosecutor's office, which challenged several articles of the Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic on the grounds that they should be brought into conformity with federal legislation. Among the provisions under scrutiny are articles affirming the republic's constitutional status, territorial integrity, and other principles that have been part of its Constitution since the early post-Soviet period.

Addressed to the Head of the Republic, Kazbek Kokov, and Parliament Speaker Tatyana Yegorova, the appeal argues that the proposed amendments would significantly weaken the constitutional foundations of the republic. The signatories contend that the challenged provisions do not contradict the Constitution of the Russian Federation and therefore should be preserved.

The statement further stresses that the Constitution of Kabardino-Balkaria serves not only as the republic's fundamental legal document but also as an important guarantee of its historical, political, and national identity. The authors call on the regional authorities and lawmakers to reject the prosecutor's proposal and safeguard the existing constitutional framework.

The appeal calls on regional authorities and lawmakers to reject the prosecutor's proposal and preserve the existing constitutional framework, warning that the proposed amendments would weaken the legal foundations of the republic and diminish the constitutional guarantees enjoyed by its people.

The appeal has drawn attention to renewed concerns over the relationship between Moscow and Russia's national republics, particularly regarding the balance between federal authority and regional constitutional autonomy.

The appeal was signed by Marks Shakhmurzov, Chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian branch of the Russian Association of Victims of Political Repression; Hakim Kuchmezov, Chairman of the regional branch of the Yabloko Party; Valeriy Khatazhukov, Chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian Regional Human Rights Center; Honored Architect Muzarib Bzhakhov; public figure Ismel Meshev; historian Zaurbek Kozhev; artist Zaudin Tokov; public figures Mukhamed Berkhamov and Azamat Shormanov; and journalist Alim Pshibiev, Editor-in-Chief of the Made in KBR channel.

Editorial Note: The developments in Kabardino-Balkaria reflect a broader trend of increasing centralization in the Russian Federation. Over the past two decades, Moscow has steadily expanded federal control while reducing the practical autonomy of its constituent republics. Efforts to weaken the constitutional status of national republics further undermine the principles of federalism and raise serious concerns about the protection of indigenous peoples' political and constitutional rights.

Source: Based on reporting by Kavkaz-Uzel.