Charter of Saint Petersburg was developed and adopted by deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the first convocation (1994–1998). The document was adopted in the second vote by qualified majority in the minimum number of votes: 34 of 50 (8 votes against and 3 abstentions). Since the Charter in this edition significantly infringe upon the authority of the Governor of St. Petersburg and gave a certain imbalance in favor of the legislative branch power, the then Governor
Vladimir Yakovlev, refused to sign it, which led to a serious
political crisis. As a result of negotiation and compromise is January 28, 1998 has adopted a package of amendments in favor of the executive. ==Structure==