NOVGOROD DEVELOPS ITS OWN FORM OF SELF-GOVERNMENT.

Lawmakers from regions all over northwestern Russia met in Novgorod last month to discuss the form of local government that has evolved in Novgorod Oblast. The Novgorod model developed spontaneously, before the adoption of federal legislation, and gives local legislatures greater power over district budgets than is the case in most other parts of Russia, where the executive usually makes budget and investment decisions. (Russian Radio, April 20) Novgorod’s determination to follow its own path is reminiscent of the experience of medieval Novgorod. (See Perspective item below).

Lenin in the Pink.