The federal districts (Russian: федеральные округа, IPA:[fʲɪdʲɪˈralʲnɨjɪɐkrʊˈɡa]) are groupings of the federal subjects of Russia. Federal districts are not mentioned in the nation's constitution, do not have competences of their own, and do not manage regional affairs. They exist solely to monitor consistency between the federal and regional bodies of law, and ensure governmental control over the civil service, judiciary, and federal agencies operating in the regions.[1] The federal district system was established on 13 May 2000.
The federal districts of Russia were established by a decree issued by PresidentVladimir Putin on 13 May 2000 to facilitate the federal government's control of the then 89 federal subjects across the country.[9][10]
On 19 January 2010, the new North Caucasian Federal District split from the Southern Federal District.[8]
In March 2014, after the annexation of Crimea, the Crimean Federal District was established.[11] The legality of this annexation is disputed by an overwhelming majority of countries.[12] On 28 July 2016 the Crimean Federal District was abolished and merged into the Southern Federal District in order to improve governance.[13]
^ abПрезидент Российской Федерации. Указ №849 от 13 мая 2000 г. «О полномочном представителе Президента Российской Федерации в федеральном округе». Вступил в силу 13 мая 2000 г. Опубликован: "Собрание законодательства РФ", No.20, ст. 2112, 15 мая 2000 г. (President of the Russian Federation. Decree #849 of May 13, 2000 On the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in a Federal District. Effective as of May 13, 2000.).