Yes. Actually the change gives more power to the legislative branches in each oblast.
It is long overdue in Russia, although some are unhappy about it.
You don't understand the depths of corruption there. I expect this to be a transitory move, one that is a response to the corruption which enabled chechen and other scum to brutally rape and kill North Ossetian Orthodox Christians.
The press is not so muzzled as you think.....you should try visiting and watching television.