Transparency (Open Budget Index) 74/100
The Government of Russia provides the public with substantial budget information.
Public Participation 25/100
The Government of Russia is weak in providing the public with opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 79/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Russia is adequate.
By auditor 100/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Russia is adequate.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Russia should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Increase the comprehensiveness of the Executive’s Budget Proposal by presenting more details on the classification of expenditures and debt and interest for prior years.
Improving Participation
Russia should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish even more credible and effective mechanisms for capturing a range of public perspectives on budget matters. When the research was conducted, the Russian government had plans to do so, which included working with reference groups; independent anti-corruption expertise and public monitoring; interacting with community councils and mass media; and engaging citizens, organizations, and public associations.
- Hold legislative hearings on the budgets of specific ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as on audit reports at which testimony from the public is heard.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
Russia should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- In both law and practice, ensure the legislature is consulted prior to the spending of contingency funds that were not identified in the Enacted Budget.
- Ensure the legislature holds public meetings to review Audit Reports.