New regulation by Tsar Nikolai I

The new regulation introduced by Tsar Nikolai I marked a pivotal shift in the governance structure of the region. This regulation abrogated the previous settlement, which had established a more balanced power distribution between the Governor General and the regional council. Under the new framework, the Governor General was granted supreme authority, effectively centralizing power and diminishing the role of the regional council to merely advisory functions. The council was limited to meeting twice a year, which significantly reduced its influence over local governance. This change reflected Tsar Nikolai I's conservative approach to administration, emphasizing control and stability over local autonomy. The restructuring of the region into counties also played a role in this centralization, as it allowed for more direct oversight by the Governor General, aligning local governance more closely with imperial directives. The impact of this regulation was profound, as it altered the dynamics of local governance and the relationship between the nobility and the central authority. By concentrating power in the hands of the Governor General, the regulation curtailed the political agency of the local nobility, who had previously enjoyed a degree of influence through the regional council. This shift not only affected the governance of the region but also set a precedent for future administrative reforms under Tsar Nikolai I, which often favored centralization and control over local self-governance. The long-term implications of this regulation contributed to the evolving political landscape in the region, influencing the interactions between the central government and local entities.