Personal Interest in Russian Law: Issues of Conceptualization

Abstract

The article examines the concepts of “personal interest” and “collective interest” based on constitutional norms in Russian law. It analyzes the definition of personal interest as stipulated in the Federal Law “On Com-bating Corruption”, focusing on its application in understanding situations termed as “conflicts of interest”. The article argues for the necessity of interpreting “personal interest” not merely in a negative connotation of per-sonal gain or profit, but rather as a right of individuals and citizens that primarily acts as a stimulus for the quali-ty performance of work for the benefit of the state and society, in conjunction with the lawful receipt of earned benefits and advantages. Furthermore, the article proposes recommendations aimed at continuing the transi-tion from a totalitarian state, characterized by prohibitions and punishments, to a democratic, rule-of-law state grounded in the belief in individuals’ ability to work conscientiously without creating situations labeled as “con-flicts of interest”.