#13 - JRL 8372 - JRL Home
RIA Novosti
September 17, 2004
RUSSIA AT THE TURNING POINT
Academician Nodari SIMONIA, Director of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations

To see more clearly the essence and historical meaning of measures suggested by President Putin for reforming the structure of power in Russia after the Beslan tragedy, I suggest that we recall what he inherited from his predecessor.

What he inherited was a semi-ruined country with a degrading economy. Worse still, a bureaucratic capitalism of the worst, parasitic and completely corrupt type, developed in Russia in the 1990s. It cut a deep gap between the small upper and the large lower sections of society, which prevented social consensus and stability. The national law enforcement structures were corrupted by the oligarchs, whose interests they served, and disorganised by endless pseudo-reforms and perestroika as a whole. In fact, the country was split into feudal principalities, which put in question Russia's integrity.

During the first years of his presidency, Vladimir Putin tried to fight the individual negative aspects of that difficult heritage, working to consolidate state power, limiting the wilfulness of individual governors, and initiating anti-bureaucratic laws, an administrative reform, and the like. Some people in the West saw these measures as extraordinary, yet they turned out to be insufficient, in conditions of the "catch-up model" of the Russian economy that was barely past the period of trouble, for overcoming the inertia of the previous era. Eventually, the president came to the conclusion that the comprehensive nature of the problems facing the country called for a comprehensive approach to their solution.

The Beslan tragedy put a bright light on this truth. It reflected all vices of the previous eras, which the new authorities inherited. Beslan became the horrible key link in the chain of efforts (national and international) to weaken and disintegrate Russia or at least keep it in a situation of chaotic mismanagement.This is why President Putin acted so quickly and resolutely by advancing a package of comprehensive emergency measures.

The fundamental change in the procedure for forming the bodies of executive authority in Federation members, suggested by the president, is designed to strengthen the vertical structure of power. Putin thinks that the local legislative assemblies will elect the heads of republics, territories and regions, but the right to nominate the candidates should be given to the president. The strengthening of the vertical structure of power will pave the way to a consistent implementation of reforms and economic development of the regions without traditional procrastination, which postponed, sometimes for years, the implementation of vital investment projects (including with foreign capital). This will also create more stable and transparent conditions for the development of business.

The creation of representative (legislative) bodies of power on the basis of proportionate elections by party lists will make national parties more effective, speed up the adoption of vital laws by the State Duma, and rule out the infiltration of Mafia groups into power, which had happened frequently in conditions of rampant corruption and crime.

Seeking to ensure national security, the president suggested creating district and regional anti-terrorist commissions, restoring the Ministry for Regional and National Policy, and may suggest the creation of a structure that would have more powers than the Security Council has now. These measures are designed, inter alia, to restore the people's trust for the authorities, without which the struggle against terrorism will remain ineffective. Taking into account the importance, vulnerability and social and economic backwardness of the North Caucasus, which provides the breeding ground for radicalism and terrorism, President Putin spotlighted the creation of a special federal commission for the region.

A Public Chamber of control over the operation of the state mechanism, including the law enforcement and security structures, will become a forum for broad debates and discussions of civil initiatives.

It must be stressed, as the president said, that these measures must be taken not as a means of adjusting to the crisis situation but for preventing the crisis.

The Beslan tragedy provoked a wave of compassion and sympathy throughout the world, and Russians are grateful for this. But it is no less important to get strategic understanding and support for Russia's efforts to create stable political and economic conditions that would ensure a normal development of the country and preclude terrorism. However, it appears that some forces outside Russia prefer to give nothing more but compassion to Russia, which is being worn out by internal conflicts and problems. Is this the essence of partnership in the struggle against terrorism? And who needs a week and ineffective partner?

US Secretary of State Colin Powell claims that the measures suggested by President Putin amount to a retreat. But it is indeed retreat - away from "club democracy" for a narrow group of people who call themselves "the elite" -- to realistic positions from which Russia can advance to economic stabilisation, social consensus and gradual development of democracy.