Politics, Government, Putin Power - JRL Home
:: Majority Of Russians Expect Political Upheaval Next Year - Poll
Two-thirds of Russians surveyed doubt that 2012 will be a quiet year for the country politically, and only one-fifth want it to be ... Interfax, 12.29.11
:: Putin launches presidential campaign; promises CCTV at polling stations
Putin launched his presidential campaign December 15 during his annual "meet the people" teleconference, which included several questions from the audience about the disputed parliamentary elections ... Ben Aris, Business New Europe; JRL 2011-225, Dec. 15,
2011
> Majority Of Russians Expect Political Upheaval Next Year - Poll - Interfax 12.29.11
> Russia's Smouldering 'White Revolution' - Nicolai N Petro/opendemocracy.net - 12.29.11
> Russian Opposition Leader: "Millions Will Take to The Streets" After Presidential Poll
- Interfax 12.29.11
> Work Begins On Election Reforms - MT 12.29.11
> The Mystery Called Surkov: While the Consequences of Surkov's Dismissal Remain to Be Seen, All Signs Point to Putin Consolidating Power - RP 12.29.11
> Ombudsman Lukin Ready to Take Part in Organization of Dialogue Between Authorities, Opposition - Interfax 12.29.11
> Russian Opposition Leader: Talks With Govt "would Make No Sense" - Interfax 12.29.11
> Small deeds, no politics - Irina Borogan, Andrei Soldatov/ opendemocracy.net 12.29.11
> Twitter Becomes Key for Moscow Protests - MT 12.23.11
> Mobile Networks Overloading at Rallies - MT 12.29.11
> Over Half Of Russians Do Not Want Re Run Of Parliamentary Election - Poll - Interfax
> The End Of The Surkov Era: The System Eats Its Architect - RFE/RL
> TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with journalists of the government press pool
and wishes them a Happy New Year - premier.gov.ru
> Internet Users In Russia Reach 70m In 2011 - Minister - RIAN 12.27.11
> Putin: we follow the developments in Europe with anxiety - Interfax 12.27.11
> Spin Doctor Surkov Leaves Kremlin - MT 12.28.11
> Rights Activist, Opposition Leader Unconvinced By Putin's View Of Elections - Interfax 12.27.11
> Pro et Contra: With Massive Protests against Russia's Contentious Election Showing No Sign of Letting Up,
Russian Leaders Weigh the Benefits of Political and Economic Decentralization - RP 12.27.11
> Russian Authorities Should Prevent Chaos in Wake of State Duma Elections - Shoigu - Interfax 12.27.11
> Putin Says Manipulation Isn't Needed to Win Popular Support - Bloomberg 12.27.11
> Kremlin Silent on New Massive Protest - MT 12.27.11
> Opinion Poll At Moscow Demo Shows Strong Support For Alternative Politicians - Interfax 12.26.11
> Whose Side Are You On? Former Finance Minister Raises Suspicions Over His New Role as "Protest Mediator" - RP 12.27.11
> Moscow protesters vow more rallies - poll - RIAN 12.27.11
> Russian opposition figurehead Navalny may challenge Putin for Kremlin - RIAN 12.27.11
> Russian Officials Say Recent Rallies Proof Of Freedom Of Speech, Civil Society -
Interfax 12.27.11
> Decentralization of Power May Start With Pilot Projects - Medvedev - Interfax 12.26.11
> The return of protest politics - MN 12.26.11
> Internet TV Channel Challenges Kremlin's Information Monopoly - RFE/RL MT 12.22.11
> Rally Suggests Protest Mood Is Growing - MT 12.26.11
> Protest movement looks set to continue, becoming increasingly anti-Putin - experts - RP
> Webcam election proposal faces major logistics hurdle - MN
> Virtually Helping: A Newly-Created Facebook Application May Empower Russians Protesting against Alleged Vote Rigging During December's Parliamentary Elections - RP
> Putin and the "magnificent seven": All set for an interesting election - RIAN
> Under 30 Per Cent Of Muscovites Favour Putin's Comeback As President - Poll - Interfax
> Most Russians Expect No Changes Following Recent Duma Election - Poll - Interfax
> Pundits Launch Website To Engage Public In Debate On Russia's Political Future - Interfax
> Putin Assails U.S. and Protesters - MT
> Putin Message to Workers Aggravates Middle Class - MT
> "Come to Me, Bandar-logs": Annual Call-In Telethon with Putin Yielded Few Concrete Answers - RP
> TRANSCRIPT: Putin Live Television Q & A [lengthy text] - premier.gov.ru
> Moscow government authorizes 24 December's 50,000-strong poll protest- RIAN
> Putin's Call-In Show To Air Amid Unrest - MT
> Vlast Editor Fired Over Putin Insult- MT
> Billion-Dollar Man: Prokhorov Announces Presidential Bid - RP
> We Are People, Citizens - MT
> New Duma Draws From Politburo and Playboy - MT
> Gryzlov Quits Parliament After 8 Years - MT
> 50,000-Strong Rally Approved - MT
> Putin launches presidential campaign; promises CCTV at polling stations - BNE
> Amid Protests, A Just Russia Chooses an Alternative - MT
> Russian nationalists stage rally in downtown Moscow - RIAN
> At Least 25,000 Assemble to Denounce Elections, Putin - MT
> Moscow protest goes off peacefully - BNE
> Vote protest a 'watershed' Russian leaders cannot ignore: analysts - RIAN
> In a First, Foes March Side by Side - MT
> Thousands Take to the Streets in Russia in a Peaceful Protest Against Vote Fraud in Parliamentary Elections - RP
> United Russia Gets 49.32%, Communists 19.19%, a Just Russia 13.24%, LDPR 11.67% of Vote - CEC Final Results - Interfax
> Russian Rights Council Suggests Holding Fresh Election If Violations Confirmed- Interfax
> Poll protests continue in Russian regions - RIAN
:: RUSSIAN FEDERATION SITREP 8
[Election Results, Election Fraud, Chechnya, Breach of Trust]
"I think a level of trust has been broken. ..." from Patrick Armstrong; JRL 2011-222, Dec. 9,
2011
:: Protesters Harness Power of Facebook
"Russia inched closer to a Facebook revolution ..." Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-222, Dec. 9,
2011
:: Has Russia reached a tipping point?
Analysts are looking at how great the political risk is becoming ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-222, Dec. 9,
2011
:: Activists: Up to 25% of Vote Faked
Opposition leaders and rights activists have presented fresh indications of massive election fraud, insisting that election officials fabricated 20 percent to 25 percent of United Russia's Duma result ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Alexander Winning and Rina Soloveitchik, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-221, Dec. 8,
2011
:: From Putin's Project to a Sovereign Russia
Throngs of voters and protesters are sending Russia's leadership an unmistakable message: The country needs to stop being Vladimir Putin's business project and become a nation ... Maxim Trudolubov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-221, Dec. 8,
2011
:: The Internet's Watching: Past Sunday's Duma Elections Were the First Russian Elections to Come Under So Much Scrutiny in RuNet, Social Networks andthe Russian Blogosphere
One area in which the Duma election proved a breaking point and milestone was the role that the Internet in general, and social media in particular, played in informing the public ... Andrei Zolotov Jr. and Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-220, Dec. 7,
2011
:: Duma vote falls into disrepute, Russian winter might still snowball
In an extensive anonymous interview with AP, the chairman of a Moscow precinct electoral commission disclosed that his workers stuffed ballots all day, but it still was not enough to get the desired result for Putin party United Russia, his commission reached the decision that United Russia would be given 65% of the vote, with some compensation votes redistributed to Communists ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-220, Dec. 7,
2011
:: 250 Held in 2nd Night of Vote Protests
As many detainees were left to spend the whole day in overcrowded, stuffy cells without food or water, Forbes Russia reporter Alexei Kamensky was briefly hospitalized with a nervous breakdown blamed on claustrophobia after spending almost 24 hours in a crowded detention cell ... Alexander Bratersky, Nikolaus von Twickel and Rina Soloveitchik, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-220, Dec. 7,
2011
:: Putin May Shift Blame to 'Fall Guy' Medvedev for Vote Setback
Medvedev may become the "fall guy" for United Russia's election setback, allowing Putin to appoint former finance minister Alexei Kudrin as prime minister ... Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-219, Dec. 6,
2011
:: Observers Question Fairness of Vote
Undermining Medvedev claims of a valid election, national and international observers pointed to multiple indications of voting fraud, many of which were recorded on video ... Nikolaus von Twickel and Alexey Eremenko, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-219, Dec. 6,
2011
:: Is The Putin Magic Gone?
As United Russia struggled to hang onto its parliamentary majority, and decisively lost the two-thirds supermajority it has enjoyed since 2007, the Duma election was a watershed and a wake-up call for the ruling elite, finding itself on the defensive for the first time since Putin came to power ... Brian Whitmore, Tom Balmforth
:: United Russia to get 238 mandates in State Duma - CEC Chairman Churov
United Russia will apparently have 238 mandates in the 6th State Duma, the Communist Party 92, A Just Russia 64, and the Liberal Democratic Party 56 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-219, Dec. 6,
2011
:: McCain warns Putin of 'Arab spring'
"Dear Vlad, the Arab Spring is coming to a neighborhood near you," McCain wrote ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-219, Dec. 6,
2011
:: Features of the 2011 Duma election campaign
"[T]his campaign is not being held rationally ..." Nikolai Zlobin, Valdai Discussion Club; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: United Russia Wins Less Than 50%
Poll results gave United Russia slightly less than 50 percent of the vote by Monday morning after State Duma elections that took place amid an unprecedented series of detentions, threats and attacks ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: Interfax Reports Further Examples Of Election Law Violations In Russian Regions
Looking at some anecdotal reports of Russian election fraud and other illegalities ... Interfax; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: United Russia Lost Sure Majority in Duma, But System Remains - Analyst Pavlovsky
The preliminary vote percentage mustered by United Russia shows "a normal reaction of the population to the worsening of the social situation, growing rates, to the pause and then a job swap in the tandem," Pavlsoky argued ... Interfax; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: Opposition Does Not Recognize Duma Elections as Fair
Several opposition leaders have said they will not recognize the outcome of Sunday's Duma elections, in which United Russia is likely to win a majority of seats ... Interfax; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: Russian voters cut tandem down to size
Russia's governing United Russia party has lost its constitutional majority in parliament, and may have lost its simple majority of the national vote ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: U.S. Ambassador to Russia Calls on Russians to Vote
U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle called on Russians to vote in the elections to the State Duma ... Interfax; JRL 2011-218, Dec. 5,
2011
:: RUSSIA VOTES: Kremlin in a panic ahead of Sunday's vote
Despite all its administrative power, approaching the Duma election, the Kremlin is panicking as the campaign to maintain the current ruling team has gone badly wrong ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: Media Pressured Before Elections
A string of incidents this week has led observers to believe that the Kremlin is extremely nervous about the waning popularity of the country's leaders ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: Golos Association Persecution Untimely - Presidential Council Head
"It is not the best choice to persecute an election monitoring organization during an electoral period. It only serves to make our image worse," Fedotov said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: Elections: a tale of two Russias
Election monitors and journalists are viewed by the authorities as troublemakers to be prevented from doing what they are supposed to be allowed to do by law, ensure a transparent, fair and free election process ... Konstantin von Eggert, Moscow News; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: Managing Elected Officials
Though it's not easy to find truly independent democratic institutions in Russia, a rigorous and transparent process could be implemented to track the results ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: Slowly but Surely: The Duma Elections Will Promise No Great Surprises, But Analysts Are Taking the Long View
In recent weeks there has been growing evidence and discussion of United Russia's slipping popularity among Russians ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Address by Dmitry Medvedev
"This Sunday, December 4, Russia goes to the polls to elect the State Duma. ..." kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meet with voters
"We are grateful to you for coming here today. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-217, Dec. 2,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Russian president 'not ashamed' of his record
[Medvedev] Meeting with journalists of the Urals Federal District
Medvedev press conference completes a series of Medvedev meetings with regional journalists ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-216, Dec. 1,
2011
:: Dispatch: Russia's Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
This Sunday Russia will hold its parliamentary, or Duma, elections with a few interesting shifts taking place, although everything may not be exactly what it seems ... Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor.com; JRL 2011-216, Dec. 1,
2011
:: Four Duma Parties in Pact, Source Says
United Russia has struck a deal with the other three parliamentary parties whereby they pretend to "play the opposition" in exchange for guarantees of Duma seats, according to a high-ranking election official ... Francesca Mereu, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-216, Dec. 1,
2011
:: Lugovoi Declared Poison Victim, Too
While Britain has demanded that Lugovoi, alleged assassin and State Duma Deputy, be extradited to face trial in London, Russia's Investigative Committee has suddenly alleged that Lugavoi himself was poisoned by the rare radioactive substance that killed Litvinenko, prompting speculation of political motivations by the Investigative Committe heading into the Duma election ... Lukas I. Alpert, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-216, Dec. 1,
2011
:: Veteran liberal Grigory Yavlinsky to run for president in 2012
Russia's liberal Yabloko party has nominated its first leader and co-founder, Grigory Yavlinsky, to run for president ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-216, Dec. 1,
2011
:: The Legitimacy Crisis
As several commentators have pointed out, this time the bluster by those in power in Russia has carried a whiff of desperation ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30,
2011
:: Elections Watchdog Claims Harassment
Golos told The Moscow Times that NTV reporters approached the group's activists three times between Friday and Monday with "provocative questions" about whether it is funded by the CIA ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30,
2011
:: 649 Foreigners Set to Monitor Duma Vote
Duma elections will be monitored by at least 649 foreign observers, nearly half from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30,
2011
:: Russia's silent election campaign
It seems the authorities have settled on a different formula: mobilising state-dependent citizens and denying voters a relevant alternative ... Grigorii Golosov, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30,
2011
:: Most Russians ignoring Duma campaign - poll
About 47 to 48 percent of Russians surveyed, are paying attention to the campaign trail ahead of December 4 parliamentary elections ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30,
2011
:: It's that 1913 feeling
In some ways, the Romanov tricentennial resembles the United Russia celebration of Putin's three terms in power, in that both systems claimed to be at their zenith ... Tim Wall, Moscow News editorial; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: A race of fear and irritation
As we come to the final stage of the election race, campaign rhetoric has become more open and direct ... Dmitry Babich, Moscow News; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Russians Losing Protest Steam As Duma Election Draws Closer, Poll Shows
Around a quarter of Russians surveyed, 23 per cent, consider mass demonstrations in their city or region against a drop in their standards of living in defense of rights to be quite likely ...Interfax; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Seeing no evil?
With over half of their legal organizations banned this year, nationalists are radicalizing and aligning themselves with other political forces in an attempt to subvert the government in the current election campaign ... Yulia Ponomareva, Moscow News; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Russia beyond 2012: the challenges of the network state
With Russia neither a traditional authoritarian regime run by hereditary dynasty, nor a true democracy with power focused in official institutions, the distribution of power can be understood as a web of unofficial networks ... Vadim Kononenko, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Medvedev Denies Putin Will Install Authoritarian Regime
Medvedev sought to play down the notion that Putin is attempting to take Russia into an authoritarian era ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: The Vote of the Young: Young Voters Are United Against United Russia, But Divided on All Else
Millions of Russians have become eligible to vote for the first time, those with no memory of the Soviet Union, who have come of age in an era of so-called "managed democracy" ... Alexey Eremenko, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Certain Forces in West Want to Prevent Putin's Re-election For President — Parliamentarian Markov
Sergei Markov, Duma Deputy and Putin subordinate, repeated accusations by Putin that unnamed Western political forces are conspiring to unduly influence Russian elections ... Interfax; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Russia Moves Towards Modern, Developed Political System - Medvedev
Medvedev argued to reporters that Russia has a stronger and more developed political system now than it had in the 1990s ... Interfax; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Russian elections with a little mud and vegetables
Mudslinging is pretty much expected and it's the billboards that are taking on the brunt of it ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Rivals Scoff At One Russia's Soviet Style Congress
The Liberal-Democratic Party likened the congress to the Soviet Communist Party ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with the leaders of the United Russia parliamentary party in the State Duma
Today, I'd like to discuss the results of work of the United Russia parliamentary party in the State Duma and further plans for the country and parliament ... premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Russian Laws on Political Parties Might Be Liberalized in Future - Medvedev
Medvedev admitted that the qualification criteria for political parties were made quite rigid some time ago ... Interfax; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in the Conference of the United Russia Party
"In several days' time, in a week, the elections to the State Duma will be held and in March there will be elections of the President of the Russian Federation and then the Russian government will be formed. In effect this is a single cycle of a complete renewal of federal government. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Putin's Bid for Kremlin Sealed
The ostentatious, sports stadium-like atmosphere left observers wondering whether it were staged to counter embarrassing reports last week that fans greeted Putin with boos and catcalls at a mixed martial arts fight at the city's Olimpiisky stadium ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Hermitage Capital Publishes Explosive 75-Page Report Showing How Sergei Magnitsky Was Murdered in Russian Custody and the Subsequent Government Cover-Up
"Today, Hermitage Capital released a 75-page report with new documentary evidence showing how Sergei Magnitsky was murdered in Russian police custody and how the Russian government has consistently lied in public about Sergei Magnitsky's false arrest, torture and death to cover up the criminal liability of the Russian officials involved. ..." from Katie Fisher; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: The Wizard of Russia Has Been Exposed
Many are calling the booing incident against Putin during a mixed martial arts match a watershed mark in Putin's inevitable demise ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Forcing the Vote: Campaign Violations and Reliance on Administrative Resources Highlight Growing Troubles for United Russia
With Duma elections approaching, recent developments suggest that United Russia is getting nervous, amidst dropping ratings and reports that the party of power leads the pack in campaign violations ... Dan Peleschuk, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 22,
2011
:: Putin slashes his stake in Duma vote
Putin has two stakes in upcoming legislative elections, that his United Russia party needs retains the majority and that scandals not spoil his own presidential bid with scandals ... Nabi Abdullaev, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Four Russian Parties Expected To Enter State Duma - Opinion Poll
Four parties can clear the seven-per-cent threshold in the December election to the State Duma, according to a survey by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) ... Interfax; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Blog wars
Some analysts claim that influential Internet bloggers are playing a stronger role than organized political parties in shaping the views of educated, middle-class voters heading into the Duma election ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow News; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Faustian Bargains: Opposition Parties Must Carefully Stay in Bounds in Order to Remain in the Election Hunt
Russian "opposition" parties must pacify powerful Kremlin circles influencing which parties make it into the Duma in what numbers, while still trying to maintain an independent image ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Russia's pensions dilemma
Although Russia's retirement age is lower than some developed countries, raising it could have far worse political consequences than raising taxes ... Natasha Doff, Moscow News; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Vote, Spoil, Rally: Opposition's Duma Choices
It's a hard time for opposition voters in Russia ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-210, Nov. 21,
2011
:: The Cyber War Zone: Ahead of the Duma Elections in December, Bloggers Target United Russia
Nowadays political discussion evolves mostly in social networks, and its participants agree that LiveJournal, which allows the posting of larger texts with photos and videos, is the best suited platform for it, while Twitter, Facebook and its Russian counterpart Vkontakte designed for immediate exchange of shorter remarks lag behind ... Nabi Abdullaev, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-210, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Mixed Martial Arts Fans Boo Putin
Pro-Kremlin officials scrambled Monday to explain away an embarrassing chorus of boos Prime Minister Vladimir Putin faced from a crowd of 20,000 mixed martial arts fans in what was likely the worst public reception of his political career ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Russia beyond 2012: the challenges of the network state
With Russia neither a traditional authoritarian regime run by hereditary dynasty, nor a true democracy with power focused in official institutions, the distribution of power can be understood as a web of unofficial networks ... Vadim Kononenko, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Medvedev Denies Putin Will Install Authoritarian Regime
Medvedev sought to play down the notion that Putin is attempting to take Russia into an authoritarian era ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: The Vote of the Young: Young Voters Are United Against United Russia, But Divided on All Else
Millions of Russians have become eligible to vote for the first time, those with no memory of the Soviet Union, who have come of age in an era of so-called "managed democracy" ... Alexey Eremenko, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: Certain Forces in West Want to Prevent Putin's Re-election For President — Parliamentarian Markov
Sergei Markov, Duma Deputy and Putin subordinate, repeated accusations by Putin that unnamed Western political forces are conspiring to unduly influence Russian elections ... Interfax; JRL 2011-214, Nov. 29,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in the Conference of the United Russia Party
"In several days' time, in a week, the elections to the State Duma will be held and in March there will be elections of the President of the Russian Federation and then the Russian government will be formed. In effect this is a single cycle of a complete renewal of federal government. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Putin's Bid for Kremlin Sealed
The ostentatious, sports stadium-like atmosphere left observers wondering whether it were staged to counter embarrassing reports last week that fans greeted Putin with boos and catcalls at a mixed martial arts fight at the city's Olimpiisky stadium ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: Hermitage Capital Publishes Explosive 75-Page Report Showing How Sergei Magnitsky Was Murdered in Russian Custody and the Subsequent Government Cover-Up
"Today, Hermitage Capital released a 75-page report with new documentary evidence showing how Sergei Magnitsky was murdered in Russian police custody and how the Russian government has consistently lied in public about Sergei Magnitsky's false arrest, torture and death to cover up the criminal liability of the Russian officials involved. ..." from Katie Fisher; JRL 2011-213, Nov. 28,
2011
:: The Wizard of Russia Has Been Exposed
Many are calling the booing incident against Putin during a mixed martial arts match a watershed mark in Putin's inevitable demise ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Forcing the Vote: Campaign Violations and Reliance on Administrative Resources Highlight Growing Troubles for United Russia
With Duma elections approaching, recent developments suggest that United Russia is getting nervous, amidst dropping ratings and reports that the party of power leads the pack in campaign violations ... Dan Peleschuk, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 22,
2011
:: Putin slashes his stake in Duma vote
Putin has two stakes in upcoming legislative elections, that his United Russia party needs retains the majority and that scandals not spoil his own presidential bid with scandals ... Nabi Abdullaev, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Four Russian Parties Expected To Enter State Duma - Opinion Poll
Four parties can clear the seven-per-cent threshold in the December election to the State Duma, according to a survey by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) ... Interfax; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Blog wars
Some analysts claim that influential Internet bloggers are playing a stronger role than organized political parties in shaping the views of educated, middle-class voters heading into the Duma election ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow News; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Faustian Bargains: Opposition Parties Must Carefully Stay in Bounds in Order to Remain in the Election Hunt
Russian "opposition" parties must pacify powerful Kremlin circles influencing which parties make it into the Duma in what numbers, while still trying to maintain an independent image ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25,
2011
:: Russia's pensions dilemma
Although Russia's retirement age is lower than some developed countries, raising it could have far worse political consequences than raising taxes ... Natasha Doff, Moscow News; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Vote, Spoil, Rally: Opposition's Duma Choices
It's a hard time for opposition voters in Russia ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-210, Nov. 21,
2011
:: The Cyber War Zone: Ahead of the Duma Elections in December, Bloggers Target United Russia
Nowadays political discussion evolves mostly in social networks, and its participants agree that LiveJournal, which allows the posting of larger texts with photos and videos, is the best suited platform for it, while Twitter, Facebook and its Russian counterpart Vkontakte designed for immediate exchange of shorter remarks lag behind ... Nabi Abdullaev, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-210, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Mixed Martial Arts Fans Boo Putin
Pro-Kremlin officials scrambled Monday to explain away an embarrassing chorus of boos Prime Minister Vladimir Putin faced from a crowd of 20,000 mixed martial arts fans in what was likely the worst public reception of his political career ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-211, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Putin Is Back "Seriously and for a While"
Putin retorted that Russia's current political system has not exhausted itself yet, as he is running for president; asked about next generation politicians, he named Medvedev then stalled and said more names will become known in a few months ... Ariel Cohen, Heritage Foundation; JRL 2011-210, Nov. 21,
2011
:: Russia: Ground Shifting Under Putin's Feet?
For the first time, opposition critiques of the Putin government are regularly scoring over one million hits on the Internet ... James Brooke, Voice of America; JRL 2011-209, Nov. 18,
2011
:: Most Russians Feel Disenfranchised, Poll Shows
The majority of Russians are not interested in participating in the country's political life even at a local level, as they have no faith in being able to influence the situation, research shows ... Interfax; JRL 2011-209, Nov. 18,
2011
:: Voters Will Pay For a Military Buildup After Electing Putin
Defense and security spending is skyrocketing in Russia ... Pavel Felgenhauer, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-209, Nov. 18,
2011
:: Putin Pledges Slow Change
Expanding on potential democratic development, Putin advocated a slow approach ... Anatoly Medetsky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-205, Nov. 14,
2011
:: Putin Dismissed Pessimistic Scenarios, While Promising Vague Reforms
Putin has acknowledged that the Russian political system is imperfect, but said that reforms would be evolutionary and gradual ... Andrei Zolotov, Jr., Russia Profile; JRL 2011-205, Nov. 14,
2011
:: Putin Inclined to Take Steps Toward Democratizing Russia — Western Political Analyst
If Putin wins back the presidency, he is likely to follow a path of modernization, with Medvedev give carte blanche as prime minister, predicts German political analyst Alexander Rahr ... Interfax; JRL 2011-205, Nov. 14,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with members of the Valdai International Discussion Club
"I would like to begin this conversation as a debate. A point was made from the beginning that the present Russian government model has exhausted itself ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-205, Nov. 14,
2011
:: Surkov Says He Has No Vendetta Against Prokhorov
Prokhorov had accused the Kremlin of turning Right Cause into a puppet party ... Jonathan Earle, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-205, Nov. 14,
2011
:: An Expat's Guide to the Duma Vote
Which parties might clear the 7 percent threshold to win seats on Dec. 4 remains anyone's guess, but United Russia, the Communists and the Liberal Democratic Party are good bets ... Alexey Eremenko, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Russia's Red and Blacks: A Tale of Two Generations
This is a tale of Moscow's two demonstrations, first the Nationalists, then the Communists, a tale of two generations ... James Brooke, Voice of America; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Spending, but misfiring
Two news events this week, the Phobos space launch and the allocation of $9 billion to Russia's shipbuilding industry, illustrate the dilemmas facing the Russian government in 2012 ... Tim Wall, Moscow News Editorial; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: European observers see pros and cons in current election campaign in Russia
The observer mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to the State Duma elections has pointed out to positive changes as well as problems in Russia's current election campaign compared with 2007 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Yavlinsky Calls on Russians to Take Part in Elections
Yabloko party lead candidate Yavlinsky argues that a high turnout in Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections would dilute the impact of election fraud ... Interfax; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Russia will continue economic, political modernization - Medvedev
"We should change something in our lives ... placing a stronger emphasis on the innovative way of economic development, ending our dependence on exports of raw materials, and improving the political institutions ..." Medvedev said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Medvedev: Russia has three woes — fools, roads and corruption
Medvedev said that corruption is Russia's third major problem, along with fools and roads ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Public Appetite For Russian Tv's Election Debates On The Wane - Poll
Pollsters report that Russians surveyed showed declining numbers watching televised election debates ... Interfax; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Sexy election ad angers opposition
Just Russia appealed to the Prosecutor's General Office, complaining about the video ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-204, Nov. 11,
2011
:: Reshuffle weakens Russian ruling tandem - report
The report was drafted jointly by the Strategic Research Center and the Academy of People's Economy and Civil Service under the Russian President ... Interfax; JRL 2011-203, Nov. 10,
2011
:: Middle class to dominate in Russia by 2020, its parties to be victorious in parliamentary election - report
A Strategic Research Center report predicts the growth of the Russian middle class and a need to address their political interested ... Interfax; JRL 2011-203, Nov. 10,
2011
:: Digital Technologies Can Revive Era of Direct Democracy - Medvedev
Medvedev indicated that he doesn't think digital resources could create something termed "direct democracy" for 20-30 years ... Interfax; JRL 2011-203, Nov. 10,
2011
:: Russia remains a Communist country, renowned priest believes
Renowned church historian and professor of St. Petersburg Theological Academy Archpriest Georgy Mitrofanov believes the Russian society has not got rid of Soviet mentality ... Interfax; JRL 2011-203, Nov. 10,
2011
:: Khodorkovsky Warns of a Revolution
Putin "has passed the point of no return" and will stay in power as long as he can, facilitating stagnation that will erupt in a revolution, Khodorkovsky said, Ekho Moskvy reported ... Alexey Eremenko, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-202, Nov. 9,
2011:: Former mayor Luzhkov returns to Moscow
Luzhkov said that he was not afraid of being questioned ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-202, Nov. 9,
2011
:: Kremlin Chief of Staff No Longer Interested in Discussing Luzhkov's Dismissal
Attempting to rebut Luzhkov's remarks regarding reasons for his dismissal as Moscow mayor, Naryshkin argued that Medvedev's decision to sack Luzhkov had been prompted by two reasons ... Interfax; JRL 2011-201, Nov. 7,
2011
:: Over 30,000 Russians Take Part In Events To Mark Day Of National Unity
In total, around 32,000 people took part in mass events in Moscow, including nationalists ... Interfax; JRL 2011-201, Nov. 7,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Russia is celebrating National Unity Day
Medvedev spoke on National Unity Day in Nizhny Novgorod ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-201, Nov. 7,
2011
:: Putin's Regime: A Firm Future So Far
The numerous negative trends in Russia have not manifested the mechanisms that need to be present for there to be a real, direct threat to the regime ... Vladimir Shlapentokh; JRL 2011-199, Nov. 3,
2011
:: Russian politics: a right confusion
"Those who believe that the regime will manage to hang on as long as it's united forget that it is leading Russia towards catastrophe...." Poel Karp, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-200, Nov. 4,
2011
:: Medvedev Swims, Plays Badminton, Cycles Almost Every Day
Medvedev has said he is trying to do sports in his spare time ... Interfax; JRL 2011-198, Nov. 2,
2011
:: Russians confused with no time switch
Although changing clocks often leads to some confusion, not switching to winter time did not pass trouble free either ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-196, Oct. 31,
2011
:: Medvedev in PR Fiasco
The whole PR fiasco started with his first attempt to explain why he is stepping down ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-196, Oct. 31,
2011
:: Moscow Region Governor Accused Of Scheming To Fix Elections For Ruling Party
A senior opposition lawmaker accused Moscow Oblast Governor Boris Gromov of abuse of power by ordering municipal leaders to ensure a landslide victory for the ruling United Russia party in State Duma elections ... Tom Balmforth, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-194, Oct. 27,
2011
:: Case Predates Nationalist Rally
Tensions are rising ahead of an annual nationalist rally next week, with a former co-organizer facing two criminal cases for inciting ethnic hatred and riotous statements ... Alexander Bratersky,Moscow Times; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26,
2011
:: Human Rights Ombudsman Calls Russia Democracy With Reservations
"Some countries have less democracy and some more. As for us, we perhaps have less of it. ..." Interfax; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26,
2011
:: A bad peace vs. a good war
Now, when there is nothing left to buy loyalty with, real competition begins ... Zhenya Otto, Moscow News; JRL 2011-192, Oct. 25,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Dmitriy Medvedev meets with his supporters (excerpt)
"I am now the flesh and blood of United Russia. ..." kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-192, Oct. 25,
2011
:: Russian elections: the abandoned script
Internal and external pressures seem to have triggered a radical readjustment in the Kremlin's pre-election planning ... Nikolai Petrov, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-190, Oct. 20,
2011
:: Public Trust in Russian Authorities Fading - Poll
Russians expect changes for the better in the social sector but have little faith in them ... Interfax; JRL 2011-190, Oct. 20,
2011
:: Medvedev Denies Russia Heading Back to Soviet Era
Medvedev on Wednesday insisted that Russia is not in for a playback of the Soviet era ... Interfax; JRL 2011-190, Oct. 20,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Dmitry Medvedev meets with representatives of the Public Support Committee
Medvedev elaborates upon the idea of establishing an 'extended government' ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-190, Oct. 20,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Interview with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
"As you know, I would like United Russia to win the election. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-188, Oct. 18,
2011
:: The Bully Pulpit: Experts See Signals to the Party and to the Public in Putin's First Interview Since Announcing His Presidential Ambitions
What the interview lacked in tight answers to criticism of the Kremlin or Putin's future plans for Russia, the premier tried to compensate for by comparing himself with historical precedents for a third presidency (Franklin D. Roosevelt and Helmut Kohl), as well as ominous warnings about Russia's fate without him ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-188, Oct. 18,
2011
:: Medvedev Approves Federation Council Reform
Medvedev has approved a Federation Council reform making it easier for senators to keep their posts during regional leadership changes ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-188, Oct. 18,
2011
:: Kudrin slates Russia's risky economic policy
Kudrin said that Russia needed to create a new economic model, based not on demand spurred by oil revenues, but on private investment growth, accompanied by low inflation and a competitive credit rate ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-188, Oct. 18,
2011
:: Medvedev Promises to Expand Cabinet as Prime Minister
Medvedev has promised to expand the Cabinet and to "seriously reconstruct" United Russia as prime minister ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-187, Oct. 17,
2011
:: Grigory Yavlinsky: 'Change Is Only Possible If There Is An Alternative'
RFE/RL and Yavlisnky discuss a range of issues including Putin's decision to return to the presidency, the possibility of change in Russia today, and how his strategy of working within the system differs from Boris Nemtsov and other members of the so-called "non-systemic opposition" ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-186, Oct. 14,
2011
:: Poll: no improvement under Sobyanin
Most Muscovites believe that a year after the arrival of the Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin the quality of Moscow's leadership has not changed compared to the reign of former mayor Yury Luzhkov ... Nathan Toohey, Moscow News; JRL 2011-186, Oct. 14,
2011
:: Rocker mocks Putin in Potemkin village hit
A veteran Russian rock singer has made a hit in the blogosphere with a scathing song mocking Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ... Alexei Korolyov and Tsvetelina Miteva, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-185, Oct. 13,
2011
:: Shuvalov Becomes Head of Kremlin Council For Financial Market Development
First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov will become head of the Kremlin Council for Financial Market Development ... Interfax; JRL 2011-185, Oct. 13,
2011
:: Russians Losing Faith In Government Institutions, Poll Shows
Russians are losing trust in various government and public institutions, according to a recent poll ... Interfax; JRL 2011-184, Oct. 12,
2011
:: As Russian Bloggers Gain Prominence, The Kremlin Takes Notice
A groundswell of online civic activism has crystallized in recent years with a new generation of bloggers ... Tom Balmforth, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-184, Oct. 12,
2011
:: Redistribution of Authority in Putin-Medvedev 'tandem' Should Strengthen Russia's Governance System - Putin
In an interview with Chinese media outlets, Putin asserted that the 'tandem' deserves praise ...Interfax; JRL 2011-184, Oct. 12,
2011
:: Steve Jobs and Apple
Personal computers, as opposed to mainframes, were about the decentralization of information and its flow, a model incompatible with a society based upon authoritarian control ... Jake Kipp; JRL 2011-182, Oct. 10,
2011
:: Kudrin: Russia Facing Serious Budget Risks
Kudrin had a meeting with investors and analysts during a VTB Capital forum on Friday, during which he told them about his plans and about risks he sees for the Russian budget and economy ... Interfax; JRL 2011-182, Oct. 10,
2011
:: Dvorkovich Seeks Job in Medvedev Cabinet
Arkady Dvorkovich, Medvedev's top economic advisor, said he does not plan to stay in the Kremlin after the 2012 presidential election, but instead hopes to join the cabinet, which Medvedev has promised to reshuffle ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-182, Oct. 10,
2011
:: Twelve Days That Shook The Kremlin
It took less than two weeks for the long-standing debate in Russia's ruling elite to come to a screeching halt ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-180, Oct. 5,
2011
:: Putin Offers Liberal Rules and Kudrin
Putin has attempted to reassure investors dismayed by swelling social and military spending, and fears of political stagnation, by promising high-tech projects and more liberal rules for buying into strategic resource companies ... Anatoly Medetsky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-181, Oct. 6,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in the VTB Capital "Russia Calling!" Investment Forum
"I want to talk about our priorities and Russia's strategic plans so that investors, and the business community at large, can understand ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-181, Oct. 6,
2011
:: No "legitimacy crisis" in Russia
"The big issue was not whether Putin and Medvedev would or would not swap places or choose any other power configuration. The big issue was at all times whether Putin or Medvedev would run for president. ..." From Sergei Roy; JRL 2011-178, Oct. 4,
2011
:: Opposition TV advertising disappears from regions
St. Petersburg, Kursk region and Perm region are cenorsing the opposition from the state controlled TV airwaves just as elections draw near ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-179, Oct. 5,
2011
:: Russians Fear Stability Turning Into Stagnation - Institute Of People's Front
Russians who have sent in proposals for the "All-Russia People's Front" reportedly are highlighting poverty, unemployment, poor medical services, shortage of kindergarten, arrogance of officials and corruption ... Interfax; JRL 2011-179, Oct. 5,
2011
:: Medvedev Tries to Prove His Relevance In the Putin-Centric State
The first week of Putin's reinstated monopoly on power was marked by Medvedev's persistent attempts to prove that his presidency did not end on September 24 ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-178, Oct. 4,
2011
:: Back from the Dead: Although There Isn't One Truly Liberal Party in Russia Today, a Large Part of Society Shares Democratic Values Claim Liberals
Some experts believe that this is the future of Russian liberalism ... Svetlana Kononova, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-178, Oct. 4,
2011
:: Medvedev Will Always Be in Putin's Shadow
Medvedev's reference to Putin's popularity seems like a lame excuse in light of the fact that six months - an entire lifetime in politics - remain before the presidential election in March ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-178, Oct. 4,
2011
:: Medvedev Says Putin Is More Popular and Authoritative
Speaking to the directors of state-controlled or state-dominated television,
Medvedev sang the praises of Putin and Medvedev's subordination to him ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-177, Oct. 3,
2011
:: Nearly All Russian Officials Obey President's Order To Leave State Companies
Medvedev's demand that all high-ranking government officials should leave the boards of directors of state companies has passed its deadline ...
Interfax; JRL 2011-177, Oct. 3,
2011
:: Still No Democracy Established in Russia - Zyuganov
A Russian Communist is objecting to Russia's lack of democracy ... Interfax; JRL 2011-177, Oct. 3,
2011
:: Waging Cyber War on Bureacracy: The Kremlin Has Launched One-Stop Shops on the Internet to Improve Public Services Delivery to Russian Citizens and Curb Its Own Bloated Bureaucracy
Russia's long-awaited electronic government kicked off on Saturday, amid muted concerns that a weekday deployment could trigger a database shutdown ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-177, Oct. 3,
2011
:: Putin's Second Coming Is No Gift to Russia or Investors
"Russia's future looks less like that of Chile, and more like that of Egypt or Tunisia ..." Bloomberg editorial; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: A banana republic with oil
"So in a way, Medvedev was right: Russia is indeed a banana republic ..." Tim Wall, Moscow News editorial; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: After Jarring Week, Putin Is Showing New Image
The guessing game started immediately with a new question: What sort of Putin will the world get? Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: The tandem: hope against hope dashed!
The fact that, with so few grounds for hope, the dream continued to exist and to grow stronger demonstrates that some sections of society had made a serious error ... Alexei Levinson, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: Putin's Moment of Truth
"This behavior shows all the markings of a megalomaniac who has enjoyed uncontested power far too long. ..." Michael Bohm, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: Policy behind Kudrin ouster
Kudrin's sudden ouster on the back of a fiery row with Medvedev revealed long-running divisions in the government that are often as personal as they are ideological ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: The bitterest pill of all: There are historic reasons why Medvedev's sidelining is hard to swallow
Peering into the gaping crack in their television sets, Medvedev's would-be "electorate" -- those savvy, self-sufficient, urban members of the elite -- were dismayed and sickened by what they saw ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: Vladimir Putin 3.0
RIA Novosti adjunct commentator sings the praises of Putin and says that his negative image in the West is a compliment ... Fyodor Lukyanov, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-176, Sept. 30,
2011
:: Party Is Over for Medvedev the Modernizer
Experts and opposition figures expressed serious doubts that Medvedev could be an effective modernizer as prime minister, given Putin's track record of barely using three prime ministers who had served during his presidency ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Damage Control: Top Russian Officials Are Scrambling to Minimize the Economic Fallout of the Finance Minister's Ouster
The Russian White House switched to damage-control mode this week, in a bid to prevent negative economic consequences from the forced departure of the country's well-respected Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Political Zombies Are Mounting Comebacks
Russia is seeing resurgent shadows of the political past ... Alexander Bratersky and Alexey Eremenko, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Russia's Citizens Watch Urges People To Come To Polls On Election Day
Some opposition forces are calling for a boycott of upcoming State Duma elections, and Citizens Watch (Grazhdanskiy Kontrol) is being mobilized to counter the boycott effort ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Alexei Kudrin: Debating controversial legacy of a veteran minister
Some of Kudrin's achievements includes Russia's early repayment of its debts to the Paris Club, the Stabilization Fund, replacing the progressive taxation system with a flat tax, reducing value-added tax from 20% to 12%, and repealing the 5% sales tax ... Vlad Grinkevich and Anna Kurskaya, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Putin as Democracy
"I do not mean that Putin is democratic; he certainly is not. ..." Matthew Van Meter, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Vladimir Putin meets with Russian writers attending the Russian Book Union's conference
"I know that there are many problems in your field and that you depend, one way or another, on the decisions taken at the government level. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-175, Sept. 29,
2011
:: Dispatch: Putin and the Kremlin's Internal Struggle
Over the past decade the Kremlin has been made up of two main factions, the siloviki and the civiliki ... Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor.com; JRL 2011-174, Sept. 28,
2011
:: Medvedev Talks Tough on Military Spending to Sideline Rivals for Premier
Medvedev hardened his stance on military spending, the issue that triggered Alexei Kudrin's exit as finance minister, as he seeks to bolster his chances of becoming prime minister ... Scott Rose and Alena Chechel, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-174, Sept. 28,
2011
:: Kudrin Explains Decision To Resign
Kudrin's resignation, which investors and analysts have said will make Russia more vulnerable to future economic crises, on Monday night followed a televised spat with Medvedev ... Howard Amos and Anatoly Medetsky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-174, Sept. 28,
2011
:: The Indispensable Minister: Does the Ouster of Russia's Former Finance Minister Spell Doom for the Country's Economic Future?
Beneath a veneer of complacency and apparent indifference to Kudrin's departure, many economists said they are worried ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-174, Sept. 28,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT [excerpt]: Meeting of Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia's Economy [Medvedev and Kudrin]
Medvedev stages combative public showdown with Kudrin ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-173, Sept. 27,
2011
:: Putin Faces 'Unpopular' Decisions to Overhaul Russia's Oil-Reliant Economy
Putin will face obstacles that include a growing budget deficit, continued dependence on oil exports and the potential for social discontent ... Henry Meyer, Lyubov Pronina and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-173, Sept. 27,
2011 :: Medvedev Ousts Putin's Friend 'Lyosh' [Kudrin]
In a second snub to Medvedev in three days, Kudrin made it clear that he would have to consult with Putin before he would resign ...
Howard Amos and Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-173, Sept. 27,
2011
:: Twelve More Years: Is Putin's Return A Recipe For Stagnation?
With the announcement that he will run for president in the spring, Putin appears on track to become Russia's longest-serving ruler since Josef Stalin ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: Russian Opposition Leaders Criticize Putin's Presidential Bid
Various Russian opposition leaders have criticized Medvedev's proposal that Putin run for president ... Interfax; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: United Russia party congress
Medvedev speech before United Russia party congress accepting the offer to head United Russia's party list in the State Duma election and supporting the candidacy of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for president ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: There will be exits from Medvedev-Putin team - spokesman
Putin's spokesman said that there are those who disagree with the strategic principles of the Putin-Medvedev tandem, who will "leave the team" ... Interfax; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: Communist Leader: Putin Presidency "won't Change Anything"
Zyuganov said that the announcement that Putin will run for president in 2012 held nothing new ... Interfax; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: Russian Officials Generally Delighted At Prospect Of Putin As President In 2012
Various Russian government ministers and the government's man in Chechnya sang their praises of Putin switching offices with Medvedev ... Interfax; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: Russian Church: Medvedev-Putin Agreement Instance of "kindness And Integrity"
Russian Orthodox public relations representative Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin praised what he deemed a peaceful transfer of power ... Interfax; JRL 2011-172, Sept. 25,
2011
:: Putin Is Unlikely to Run for Kremlin, United Russia Adviser Says
While Putin and Medvedev have said they will decide together which of them will run for the Kremlin in 2012, the president's advisers have urged him to seek the endorsement of United Russia ... Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-168, Sept. 20,
2011
:: Khodorkovsky Once Again Proposes Making Russia Presidential-parliamentary Republic
Khodorkovsky is writing magazine articles, and argued that Medvedev should transform Russia from a 'super-presidential' country into a presidential-parliamentary country ... Interfax; JRL 2011-168, Sept. 20,
2011
:: Right Cause Wants to Bring Back Prokhorov
Just days after his ouster, the Right Cause party is apparently considering bringing back billionaire Prokhorov as chairman because their Duma election prospects are so bleak ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-168, Sept. 20,
2011
:: Over 40 Per Cent Of Russians Expect Putin To Get President's Job - Poll
Forty-one per cent of Russians surveyed believe that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will become president in 2012 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-167, Sept. 19,
2011
:: Rebuking the Kremlin, Prokhorov Quits Right Cause
Billionaire-cum-politician Mikhail Prokhorov on Thursday publicly called for the ouster of Vladislav Surkov, the Kremlin's powerful point man for domestic politics ... Nikolaus von Twickel and Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-166, Sept. 16,
2011
:: Prokhorov may be reinstated as Right Cause party leader
Russia's Right Cause party is currently in talks with its former leader Mikhail Prokhorov on his possible reinstatement as a party leader ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-167, Sept. 19,
2011
:: Prokhorov, Softening Stance, Gauges Next Step
Prokhorov has backtracked by saying he is not challenging the country's leadership but just one of two competing Kremlin camps ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-167, Sept. 19,
2011
:: Russia Is Left Without Liberal Constituency - Yavlinsky
Yavlinsky is not impressed by predictions that the scandal in the Right Cause party will improve the election prospects of the Yabloko Party ... Interfax; JRL 2011-167, Sept. 19,
2011
:: Oligarchs and Politics Make Bad Bedfellows
Russia's "managed democracy" works only when its political servants can be controlled completely ...
Moscow Times; JRL 2011-167, Sept. 19,
2011
:: Losing the Cause: Does Prokhorov's Ouster Spell the End for Election Hopes for the Right Cause?
With Prokhorov out of the race, analysts are skeptical of how well the Right Cause can now hope to perform in the December vote ... Rosemary Griffin, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-166, Sept. 16,
2011
:: 25% of Russians Insist on Full Renovation of State Duma - Poll
Many Russians polled in a survey called for a renovation of the lower chamber of the Federal Assembly ... Irina Filatova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-166, Sept. 16,
2011
:: Putin's Front Aims to Add 15% to Ruling Party's Vote in December
Putin's All-Russia People's Front is seeking to raise support for his ruling party in December parliamentary elections by as much as 15 percentage points, a senior official said ... Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-166, Sept. 16,
2011
:: Poll: Most Russians do not believe in fair rivalry in State Duma election
Sixty-two percent of Russians surveyed in a recent poll said that manipulations and ballot juggling would be done in the interest of the ruling party in Duma elections ... Interfax; JRL 2011-165, Sept. 15,
2011
:: Prokhorov Blames Kremlin for Party 'Coup'
Prokhorov accused Kremlin officials of encouraging the party's old guard to stage a coup, while an unidentified Kremlin official told Interfax that the squabble was a publicity stunt co-scripted by the billionaire and the Kremlin ... Alexandra Odynova, Alexey Eremenko and Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-165, Sept. 15,
2011
:: Medvedev Edges To The End Of His Presidency With a Whimper
There was a peculiar symbolism in the generally forgettable visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to Moscow, following a five-year estrangement caused by the heinous murder of Alexander Litvenenko in London ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-165, Sept. 15,
2011
:: Dispute Erupts Over Western Observers for Duma Election
Europe's top elections watchdog wants to send a 260-member observer mission for upcoming State Duma elections, but the Central Elections Commission complains that figure is too high ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-165, Sept. 15,
2011
:: Kudrin predicts tax hikes after presidential elections
Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said taxes will have to go up after the presidential election in Russia in March 2012 if pre-election promises are to be kept ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-164, Sept. 14,
2011
:: Why Putin Isn't Raising Utility Rates
Putin's decision to moderate the annual increase of key energy and railroad rates has more to do with elections than an attempt to spur economic growth ... Anatoly Medetsky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-164, Sept. 14,
2011
:: Duma elections will be a farce: poll
State Duma elections will be a mere imitation of real the thing, with ruling United Russia manipulating the polls, according to a majority of Russians surveyed in a recent poll ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-164, Sept. 14,
2011
:: Whispers of revolution at Pravoye Delo
Mikhail Prokhorov's Pravoye Delo gears up for the State Duma elections, as his party denies rumors that the Kremlin is about to assert control over opposition politics by having him replaced ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-164, Sept. 14,
2011
:: The Guessing Game: Lingering Uncertainty as to Who Will Rule Russia Come 2012 Leaves the Door Open to a Wide Array of Speculation and Interpretation
Statements by Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin have lent fresh momentum to the guessing game as to who might come to occupy the Kremlin ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-164, Sept. 14,
2011
:: Indecision 2012: Are we having fun yet?
Imagine if the actor who plays Dr. House announced he was running for president, with Paris Hilton opting for Prime Minister ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-163, Sept. 9,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Dmitry Medvedev's address at the plenary session of the Global Policy Forum Yaroslavl
"The main theme of the Forum was The Modern State in the Age of Social Diversity. ..." kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-163, Sept. 9,
2011
:: Inviolability of Private Property in Russia Must Be Guaranteed - Medvedev
Russia must ensure inviolability of private property, Medvedev said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-163, Sept. 9,
2011
:: Hermitage Reports a Third Major Tax Refund Fraud Perpetrated by Moscow Tax Official Exposed by Sergei Magnitsky
Lawyers acting for Hermitage Capital have filed a criminal complaint with the Russian State Investigative Committee showing evidence of $42 million in illegal tax refunds approved by Moscow Tax Office No. 28 ... From Katie Fisher, Hermitage Fund Press Release; JRL 2011-162, Sept. 8,
2011
:: Russia to Fortify Military Ties With Allies to Preempt Revolts
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Armenia agreed last year to re-equip a rapid-reaction force and set up "peacekeeping units" to target potential uprisings, particularly after seeing UN-authorized foreign troops carry out strikes against Khadafi loyalists in Libya ... Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-160, Sept. 6,
2011
:: A Front for progress or an affront to progress?
It's election time again in Russia and, according to much of the western press, the Kremlin is up to its old tricks ... Nicholas Watson, BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-160, Sept. 6,
2011
:: Movie Star Announces Kremlin Bid
The upcoming presidential race took a distinctly eccentric twist Monday, when a movie star and ex-priest who moonlights as a creative director for mobile phone retail chain Yevroset announced his decision to run ... Alexey Eremenko, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-160, Sept. 6,
2011
:: Bringing in Stalin to fight graft
The Communist site is already facing questions about why they chose Stalin as its de-facto mascot ... Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-160, Sept. 6,
2011
:: Dissatisfied Nation: Opinion Polls Show That Ever More Russians Are Dissatisfied with the Government
Only five percent of Russians do not have any complaints to make about the government ... Svetlana Kononov, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-159, Sept. 5,
2011
:: Two United Russia Deputies Jump Ship
In a sign of growing discord in the run-up to parliamentary elections, State Duma Deputy Alexei Lebed left United Russia on Friday and accused the party of crushing dissent among members ... Nikolaus von Twickel and Natalya Krainova; Moscow Times; JRL 2011-159, Sept. 5,
2011
:: Why Do People Vote for United Russia?
Changes introduced into electoral legislation since Medvedev's election were largely cosmetic ... Dmitry Babich, Russia Profile; Moscow Times; JRL 2011-159, Sept. 5,
2011
:: Russian opposition: inside or outside the system?
Opposition parties in Russia fall into two categories, described by the Russian press as 'system' and 'non-system' ... Grigorii Golosov, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-157, Sept. 1,
2011
:: Electronic Corruption: Corruption Scuppers Another Government Project Aimed at Modernizing Russia
In February of this year, Russia's Audit Chamber said it analyzed how the unified state policy in the sphere of information technology was being implemented ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-158, Sept. 2,
2011
:: Medvedev Vows More Reforms, Considers Elections for Senate
Medvedev has promised to introduce more political reforms, including possible direct elections for the Federation Council ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-158, Sept. 2,
2011
:: Most Russians Keen On Return To Direct Elections To Upper House - Poll
Russians surveyed would like to decide for themselves who should sit in the upper house of Russia's Federal Assembly ... Interfax; JRL 2011-158, Sept. 2,
2011
:: Russia's Putin Explains His Stance On Controlling Information
Putin discussed censorship in a visit to a school ... Interfax; JRL 2011-158, Sept. 2,
2011
:: Nemtsov Proposes Limiting Presidency to One Term Only
People's Freedom Party (PARNAS) Co-chairman Boris Nemtsov called for constitutional amendments to prohibit a person from being re-elected president ... Interfax; JRL 2011-158, Sept. 2,
2011
:: Election Campaign Starts in Russia
Election campaigns have always been accompanied by an upsurge of emotions, parties' struggle and complaints, Medvedev said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-156, Aug. 31,
2011
:: Medvedev Sets Duma Vote for Dec. 4
Medvedev signed a decree setting the State Duma elections and urged party leaders not to stoke nationalist sentiment ... Moscow Times; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: United Russia 'Primaries' Seen As A Political Show
Political observers saw last week's primaries as a stage-managed show to obscure the party's authoritarian nature ... RFE/RL; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: Prokhorov's Party Says Russia Is a 'Parody' of Soviet Union
Russia is becoming a farce and parody of the Soviet Union, stifled by bureaucracy, said the political party headed by billionaire New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov ... Yuliya Fedorinova, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: Medvedev Names Ex-Security Officer as St. Petersburg Governor
Medvedev named ex-Soviet security officer Georgy Poltavchenko as governor of St. Petersburg, the second largest Russian city and Putin hometown ... Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: Russian Leader Looking Into Proposal To Limit Winning Party's Share Of MP Seats
Mikhail Prokhorov, leader of the Right Cause party, claims Medvedev is looking into putting a cap on how many seats Medvedev's party can hold in the Duma ... Interfax; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: What the Nakh?
The idea of expressing discontent by ruining your ballot is not new ... Anna Arutiunova, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: [TRANSCRIPT] Dmitry Medvedev had a meeting with the leaders of Russia's seven officially registered political parties.
The President signed at the meeting an executive order setting the election date ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: Teachers fret over racism in schools
One-quarter of Russian high school students support ultranationalist and fascist views ... Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30,
2011
:: Russians Increasingly Disapprove Of 1991 Ban On Soviet Communist Party - Poll
A poll was taken on how Russians now tend to regard Russian President Boris Yeltsin's decision to ban the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union) ... Interfax; JRL 2011-154, Aug. 25,
2011
:: Russian Communist Party Shocked By Suggestion to Mandate Primaries For All Parties
Putin suggested mandating primaries for all political parties and extending this practice to the regional and municipal levels ... Interfax; JRL 2011-153, Aug. 24,
2011
:: Putin's party calls for 'compulsory primaries'
Putin's United Russia party has announced plans to make it compulsory for all Russian parties to hold primary elections ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-153, Aug. 24,
2011
:: Russian Government Agency Details Pay For Senior Civil Servants
Interfax publishes data from a report on bureaucrat salaries by Rosstat, the Russia Federal State Statistics Service ... Interfax; JRL 2011-153, Aug. 24,
2011
:: Putin urges mandatory primaries for all parties
Putin proposed legislative amendments to introduce primaries for all political parties ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-153, Aug. 24,
2011
:: Putin Ally Takes Over as Governor as Matviyenko Quits
Georgy Poltavchenko, former KGB officer and staunch Putin ally, emerged as the prime pick for the St. Petersburg governor's seat vacated by Federation Council-bound Valentina Matviyenko ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-152, Aug. 23,
2011
:: Nemtsov Not Surprised By Court Decision Denying Registration to PARNAS
Senior members of the People's Freedom Party (PARNAS) are aware that no Russian court will ever rule against the Justice Ministry's decision not to register the party,Boris Nemtsov said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-152, Aug. 23,
2011
:: Putin, Medvedev May Announce 2012 Plans in December
Putin and Medvedev will probably wait until December to reveal which of them will run for president in 2012 ... Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-151, Aug. 22,
2011
:: Bread and Circuses Beckon Matviyenko Voters in St. Petersburg
Two St. Petersburg districts rolled out bread and circuses to lure voters to polling stations ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-151, Aug. 22,
2011
:: Over 50% Believe Civil Servants Want Wealth
More than half of Russians say the country's leaders are only concerned about their jobs and wealth ... Alexandra Odynova, Bloomberg/Moscow Times; JRL 2011-151, Aug. 22,
2011
:: Putin 'castrated' democracy in Russia — Gorbachev
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has killed off democracy in Russia, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev said ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-150, Aug. 19,
2011
:: Gorbachev Says Putin's Time Is Up
Gorbachev said it was time for Putin to go and for his policies to change ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 011-149, Aug. 18,
2011
:: Medvedev 'being outsmarted' by Putin Gorbachev
In the latest of a series of attacks on Putin, Gorbachev told The Guardian that the ex-KGB officer was stopping Medvedev from implementing his modernization plan ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-148, Aug. 17,
2011
:: At the Brink, A Just Russia Puts on a Brave Face
The party remains in the risk zone, with approval ratings stuck between 4 percent and 8 percent ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-148, Aug. 17,
2011
:: Gorbachev hits out at Putin and United Russia
On the 20th anniversary of the coup d'etat which ultimately brought the Soviet era to a close, Mikhail Gorbachev has launched another attack on Vladimir Putin ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-146, Aug. 15,
2011
:: Putin's Potemkin Democracy
"Since Putin came to power in 2000, the Kremlin has used the elections commission, just like the courts, as an in-house resource to create a Potemkin democracy. ..." Michael Bohm, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-145, Aug. 12,
2011
:: Western Observers Out, Sports Fans In
The Central Elections Commission stated that the number of foreign observers for State Duma elections should be small, because their work could be done from afar, and promised to staff polling places with soccer fans ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-145, Aug. 12,
2011
:: Russian Audit Chamber Says Government Spending Beyond Its Means
The growth in Russian government spending in Russia is exceeding state capacity, with military spending and debt service leading the way ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-145, Aug. 12,
2011
:: Prokhorov Touts Euro, Visa-Free Travel to Europe
Visa-free travel to Europe and replacing the ruble with the euro will be two campaign pledges for the pro-business Right Cause in State Duma elections, billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov said ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-145, Aug. 12,
2011
:: Is Right Cause's Political Star (Already) Waning?
"Is a critical mass of Russia's ruling elite having second thoughts about managed pluralism?" ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-144, Aug. 11,
2011
:: Russian tycoon Prokhorov ready to be PM, wants to join euro zone
Prokhorov has disclosed his ambitions to become prime minister and his party's plans for Russia to join the Schengen and euro zones ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-144, Aug. 11,
2011
:: Communist outcry over opposition clampdown
Opposition parties are feeling the squeeze on advertising as elections draw nearer... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-144, Aug. 11,
2011
:: Putin dives into history
Putin donned scuba gear to dive into the Kerch Strait and explore the site of the so-called "Russian Atlantis" ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-144, Aug. 11,
2011
:: United Russia Purged Ads, Prokhorov Says
Right Cause's billionaire leader Mikhail Prokhorov accused United Russia officials of orchestrating the removal of more than 200 billboards bearing his portrait in three cities ...
Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-143, Aug. 10,
2011
:: Putin prepares dive to 'Russian Atlantis'
Putin is making the dive to publicize archeological restoration work on the submerged part of the ancient Greek city of Phanagoria ... Alexei Pilko, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-143, Aug. 10,
2011
:: Putin's Russia - "United", but not real
"We are still hampered by the Soviet principles of centralism, guidelines handed down from on high, and the idea that the state can do what it likes in respect of the personal and the private ..." Poel Karp, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-139, Aug. 4,
2011
:: New State Body Stirs Crackdown Fears
Stirring new fears of an election season crackdown on the political opposition, the Kremlin announced an intergovernmental commission tasked with "coordinating the activities" of federal and regional agencies fighting extremism ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-137, Aug. 2,
2011
:: The Prospect of Putin's Return Comes Into Focus
"... Putin's third six year-long presidential term has become a pre-determined fact of life." ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-137, Aug. 2,
2011
:: LiveJournal users fear election crackdown
The biggest-ever hack attack on LiveJournal and its opposition voices has prompted fears of a new wave of shut-offs closer to the elections ... Olga Khrustaleva, Moscow News; JRL 2011-137, Aug. 2,
2011
:: Virtual Nationalism: Recent Cases Indicate that Social Networks Are a Catalyst for Spreading Nationalism in Russia
"... the spread of nationalism via the Internet is posing a growing threat to the integrity of the Russian society." ... Pavel Koshkin, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-137, Aug. 2,
2011
:: Yurgens Dismisses Russian Popular Front as PR Move
Igor Yurgens, head of Russia's Institute of Contemporary Development, expressed skepticism about Putin's Russian Popular Front ... Interfax; JRL 2011-137, Aug. 2,
2011
:: Poll Shows Russia Needs Political Opposition
Increasingly more Russians polled by sociologists say Russia needs political opposition ... Interfax; JRL 2011-136, July 29,
2011
:: The 2012 Shadowboxing Intensifies
The conventional wisdom in the Moscow punditocracy appears to be moving in the direction of Putin returning but author is still sticking to a view that Medvedev will remain president and Putin will remain as "National Leader" ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-136, July 29,
2011
:: Russians Not Confident Of Honest Elections In December - Poll
Russians do not believe that December's elections to the State Duma will be honest, and are in favour of electoral law being liberalized ... Interfax; JRL 2011-135, July 28,
2011
:: What Has Happened to the Russian Elections?
The parliamentary elections in Russia are some 18 weeks away, but the campaign that appeared lively earlier this year has all but exhausted itself ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-135, July 28,
2011
:: As Moscow Renovates Sidewalks, Corruption Suspicions Abound
For Moscow residents, the sight of road crews on nearly every downtown street corner has additional undertones -- it is widely viewed as a harbinger of corruption ... Tom Balmforth, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-135, July 28,
2011
:: Fired Police Officials Wind Up With Cushy Jobs
The Kremlin has developed a habit of announcing the dismissal of top police officers almost every week, but a closer look shows that some of those who lose privileged positions suddenly reappear in other plush jobs ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-133, July 26,
2011
:: Police Reform (re: Ryzhkov JRL 2011-131)
In the ten years of the Climate of Trust project, a cohort of American police officers had the opportunity to look at the Russian Militsia at the grass roots level in different regions ... Greg Smith; JRL 2011-132, July 25,
2011
:: Gorbachev Criticizes Russian Politics, Says New People Needed
Gorbachev told Ekho Moskvy radio that he would like to co-found a new social democratic party but that he had no plans to run for president ... Interfax; JRL 2011-132, July 25,
2011
:: Prokhorov Sees Faults of Political System, Not Only Infrastructure Degradation Behind 'Bulgaria' Sinking
Prokhorov believes there are many responsible parties for the accident and that "the state is an inefficient owner." ... Interfax; JRL 2011-132, July 25,
2011
:: Federal Minister Slams City Managers
Regional Development Minister Viktor Basargin has denounced a growing practice of replacing elected mayors with hired city managers as ineffective ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-132, July 25,
2011
:: Survey: United Russia Losing Support
Support for the Communists and the Liberal Democratic Party is growing at the expense of United Russia and A Just Russia, but the State Duma elections in December shouldn't shatter the current four-party configuration dominated by United Russia ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-130, July 21,
2011
:: Orange Revolution Architects Reportedly Working on Strategy For Russia's Right Cause
Kommersant cited Prokhorov communications adviser Yulina Slashcheva as saying the Right Cause election strategy would be devised by a team of analysts who were behind
Ukraine's Orange Revolution ... Interfax; JRL 2011-129, July 20,
2011
:: Putin talks multi-culturalism with religious leaders
Putin met with religious leaders sympathetic to his People's Front to address multiculturalism ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-129, July 20,
2011
:: First deputy PM joins Putin's umbrella group
Igor Shuvalov has joined Putin's All Russian People's Front (ARPF) ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-129, July 20,
2011
:: Gorbachev Warns of Damage From Putin Return
Gorbachev says Putin shouldn't seek a third term as Russian president as the country struggles to develop democratic institutions ... Ilya Arkhipov and Scott Rose, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-129, July 20,
2011
:: Medvedev to announce decision over presidential bid soon
Medvedev has said he will announce his plans regarding the upcoming presidential election in the near future ... Interfax; JRL 2011-128, July 19,
2011
:: Front Fights for Support, Not for Votes
Many Russians remain unexcited about Putin's All-Russia People's Front but some are willing to vote for it anyway ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-127, July 18,
2011
:: Will a Center-Right Party Led by a Billionaire Become a Game Changer in Russian Politics?
Prokhorov agreed to lead Right Cause after some heavy prodding by Alexander Voloshin, former Kremlin chief of staff and current go-to-man regarding sensitive political decisions between Medvedev and Putin ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff and Elena Miskova, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-126, July 15,
2011
:: Communists of Russia Seek Union With Left-wing Forces to Gain Duma Majority
A public organization called the Communists of Russia has proposed that left-wing political parties unite to seek a majority of seats in the Russian State Duma ... Interfax; JRL 2011-126, July 15,
2011
:: Russian tycoons' cuts dilemma
There is a widespread view among leading businesspeople, economists and government reformers that tough austerity measures should be carried out after next year's election ... Tim Wall, Moscow News; JRL 2011-126, July 15,
2011
:: Elective Renewal: Matviyenko's Move to the Federation Council May Be the Latest in a Government Drive to Rid Russia of Long-Serving Regional Heads
Matviyenko eventually agreed to accept Medvedev's "promotion" of her to head the Federation Council, only after five days of deliberation, and events indicate that she is not going to relinquish her influence in St. Petersburg without a fight ... Justin Lyle, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-125, July 14,
2011
:: Popularity of civil service points to high corruption - Medvedev
The popularity of employment in the civil service is indicative of the high level of corruption in Russia, Medvedev said ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-125, July 14,
2011
:: Russians Split On Necessity Of Pre-Election TV Debates - Poll
A survey shows that 67 per cent of respondents want the ruling party to take part in debates, and mainly its supporters believe that participation in debates is compulsory... Interfax; JRL 2011-124, July 13,
2011
:: Medvedev and Putin Try In Vain To Shake the Siloviki Into Order
Putin has been busy with the Popular Front, intended to secure an electoral triumph for discredited United Russia, while failing to respond to embarrassing scandals leaking out of the executive pyramid with increasing intensity ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-123, July 12,
2011
:: Questions follow plans for a monster Moscow
Moscow is set to more than double in size, and efforts to build a global financial center will be shifted ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-123, July 12,
2011
:: Vladimir Putin's 2012 Dilemma
"Putin's final decision on who will occupy the Kremlin for the next six years will be determined by key uncertainties that may take place over the next six months ..." Nabi Abdullaev, Simon Saradzhyan, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-123, July 12,
2011
:: Presidential Election: Whose support can Dmitry Medvedev rely on?
"I believe that the President will rely on his close relationship with the Prime Minister ..." Igor Yugens, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-123, July 12,
2011
:: Why is Medvedev Moving the Capital Outside of Moscow?
Medvedev has ordered the government to move all government agencies and their employees out of Moscow to a designated area in the suburbs ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff and Elena Miskova, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: The Time to Loosen the Reigns is Now
The middle-aged are already drawing parallels with the Brezhnev-era, the middle class are frustrated with their political impotence, and the young are leaving ... Ben Aris, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: The Real News Gets Odd
"Now, usually I'm about as interested in Kremlin politics and the speeches of politicians as I would be in, say, a plate of cold rat tails for breakfast ..."
Marc Bennetts, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: Rumblings of Political Activism Among Russia's Bikers
A recent display of bikers' grassroots activism in Moscow has raised questions about whether the motorcyclists are capable of organizing to pursue political goals ... Alex Chachkevitch, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: Some in Duma Irked After Record Session
United Russia oversaw the approval of a record 264 federal laws and three constitutional amendments during the State Duma's spring session ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: Medvedev orders nationwide transport safety checks after deadly catastrophes
Medvedev ordered large-scale safety checks of all passenger transport after two fatal transport accidents in Russia in as many days ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-122, July 11,
2011
:: Russia May Elect President on March 4 if March 9-10 are Made Days-Off - CEC
The date of the Russian presidential election will depend upon how the government shifts days-off for International Women's Day ... Interfax; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Russia Can Achieve Zero Deficit At $100 Oil in 2015 - Kudrin
Russia could achieve a zero budget deficit in 2015 if oil trades at $100 a barrel, Alexei Kudrin said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Pre-election Budget Maneuver: The Russian Government Is Finding It Hard to Trim Deficit Spending in its Pre-election Budget
With Russian parliamentary elections on the horizon, the Russian government is opening up its treasury and plans to spend trillions of rubles ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Disputes Between Parties, Government Must Be Resolved By Court - Prokhorov
The European Parliament passed a resolution against Russian authorities blocking registration of the PARNAS party for 2011 parliamentary elections ... Interfax; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Mikhail Prokhorov: gilt-edged whipping boy for the Russian elections?
The Kremlin wants a hate figure on the scene to shore up support for Putin ahead of the parliamentary election, and you don't disobey the Kremlin ... Mikhail Loginov, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Cinderella and the tsar
To get to the truth behind these displays of paternal populism, we should think less about votes, and more about Russia's budget ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Russian Billionaire Turned Politician's Popularity Improves Slightly - Poll
The Public Opinion Foundation carried out surveys to find out the Russians' attitude to Prokhorov ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Tackling the vested interests in Russia
As elections draw closer, Medvedev's attempt to accelerate "modernization" is provoking a clash with entrenched vested interests ... Ben Aris, BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Medvedev meeting with participants of the Seliger 2011 National Youth Education Forum
Medvedev shares opinions on issues relating to politics, economic innovation, crime, the environment, culture and more with participants from Russia, the United States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and other countries ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-121, July 8,
2011
:: Russia's Evolving Leadership
Interesting shifts are under way this election season that resemble political squabbles and instability, but actually represent the next step in the Russian leadership's consolidation of the state ... Lauren Goodrich, STRATFOR; JRL 2011-118, July 5,
2011
:: Support For Gubernatorial Elections Grow In Russia - Poll
More and more Russians are negative about the fact that governors are appointed by the president and not elected by the residents of the regions ... Interfax; JRL 2011-117, July 4,
2011
:: Three Russian Parties Currently On Course To Win Seats In Next Parliament - Poll
A poll indicates that 17% are prepared to vote for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, equating to 21% per cent of the seats in the chamber, and 13% prepared to vote for the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, translating to 16% of the seats.
Interfax; JRL 2011-116, June 30,
2011
:: Putin drops possible election hint
Putin gave a cryptic hint as to his possible participation in the 2012 presidential polls on Thursday, saying that he would need to "wash" himself after the elections ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-116, June 30,
2011
:: In Soviet Relapse, Critics Sent to Psychiatric Hospitals
In the Soviet Union, dissidents were labeled schizophrenics, thrown into psychiatric hospitals and drugged just for questioning the government. Old habits die hard ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-115, June 29,
2011
:: Democracy Deficit Grows in Former Soviet Union
The authoritarian countries of the former Soviet Union have built governance systems that are resistant to reform and therefore increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable crises of the sort recently seen in the Middle East and North Africa .... Mary McGuire, Freedom House; JRL 2011-115, June 29,
2011
:: Summoned to the Front: As Putin's National Front Grows, Critics Ask Why Organizations Continue to Fill Its Ranks
Despite Putin's All-Russia People's Front ostensibly boasting a vast membership, critics are noting its increasing ties with government agencies, the strengthening of a Soviet-esque single party apparatus and a growing sense that the project is a farce ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-115, June 29,
2011
:: After Waffling, Matviyenko Agrees to Lead Senate
Matviyenko, a United Russia member, should not have difficulty winning a majority of votes in the legislature, which is dominated by United Russia ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-115, June 29,
2011
:: Russians Like Democrats, Dislike Nationalists - Poll
Over 50 per cent of Russians feel positive about democrats and reformist politicians, whereas nationalists arouse negative emotions ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-115, June 29,
2011
:: Gray power and guilt trips
The babushkas are a major social force ... Natalia Antonova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: A Just Russia leader Mironov slams People's Front project
The All-Russia People's Front is a "rebranding" of the ruling United Russia party, A Just Russia party leader Sergei Mironov said ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Union of Architects Snubs Putin's Front
The Russian Union of Architects became the first public group to snub Putin's All-Russia People's Front, days after the front listed it ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Putin's Immortal Autocracy
In natural resources-rich countries like Russia, there are two options for immortal autocracies to stay alive ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Prokhorov boosts business agenda
Prokhorov has previously called for a 60-hour working week ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Dmitry Medvedev had a meeting with Mikhail Prokhorov, leader of the Right Cause Party
The meeting was one of the President's regular meetings with the leaders of Russia's different political parties ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Medvedev Praises 'Revolutionary' Prokhorov
Prokhorov said that he plans to make his Right Cause party the second largest after United Russia, which is led by Putin ... Moscow Times; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Matviyenko good for speaker job says Medvedev
Russia would benefit if St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko accepts the post of Federation Council speaker Medvedev said ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-114, June 28,
2011
:: Prokhorov Eyes Foreigners and Putin's Job
Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov has seized the reins of the pro-business Right Cause party with ambitious plans to expand direct elections, coax foreigners to invest and perhaps become prime minister ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Medvedev Tells Duma to Cut Threshold to 5%
Medvedev has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would lower the threshold to win Duma seats to 5 percent from the current 7 percent, the Kremlin said ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Russian Politicians, Pundits Comment On Proposed Ease Of Election Rules
Comments from various sources on Medvedev initiative to eventually reduce, by 2016, the share of the popular vote needed for a party to enter the Duma ... Interfax; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Prokhorov may spend $100 mln on Right Cause campaign - media
Prokhorov could spend $100 million on the election campaign of his pro-business Right Cause party ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Medvedev Backs Prokhorov's Call to Decentralize Russia
Russia's third-richest man said last week he would be willing to become prime minister if such a proposition were made ... Lyubov Pronina, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Medvedev signs decree on measures to redistribute powers between authorities
Medvedev has signed a decree On the Preparation of Proposals to Redistribute the Powers Between Federal Executive Bodies, the Executive Bodies of the Regions of the Russian Federation, and Local Self-Government Bodies ... Interfax; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: Business tycoon Prokhorov speaks for changes in Russian sociopolitical system
Business tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov, new leader of the Right Cause party, has criticized Russia's sociopolitical system and proposed changes ... Interfax; JRL 2011-113, June 27,
2011
:: "Political technology": why is it alive and flourishing in the former USSR?
"Political technology" a term largely unfamiliar in the West - is the euphemism commonly used in the former Soviet states for what is by now a highly developed industry of political manipulation ...
Andrew Wilson, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-107, June 17,
2011
:: Poll Shows Most Russians Still Displeased With Progress Of Democracy
As regards those who are dissatisfied with the development of democracy in Russia, they continue to constitute the majority, 62 per cent ... Interfax; JRL 2011-107, June 17,
2011
:: Lebedev Casts Lot With Putin's Front
Billionaire Alexander Lebedev has announced that he will give up his banking business because of harassment from the Federal Security Service and team up with Putin's All-Russia People's Front ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-91, May 23,
2011
:: Putin Likely to Return as Russian President, Vostok Nafta Says
Uncertainty about the 2012 election is holding back investment flows into Russia ... Henry Meyer and Jason Corcoran, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Medvedev's Big Presser Disappoints
Medvedev's much-awaited first "big" news conference on Wednesday left hundreds of journalists and many pundits disappointed and confused ... Nikolaus von Twickel and Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Mironov's Ouster Puts Party in Peril
Mironov's dismissal, which Medvedev sanctioned live on air just minutes before the actual ouster, threatens to spell the end of A Just Russia, a pro-Kremlin party created for the 2007 State Duma elections that the Kremlin has found little use for since ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Russian Think Tank Chief Predicts Medvedev Re-Election Bid
Yurgens, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Contemporary Development (think-tank whose chairman of the board of trustees is President Dmitriy Medvedev), has drawn the conclusion from Medvedev's news conference in Skolkovo that he will run for re-election ... Interfax; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: St. Petersburg legislative body recalls Mironov from Federation Council
Mironov, who held the Parliamentary Speaker post for 10 years, said he plans to now continue his political career in State Duma .. RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-88, May 18,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: News conference by the President of Russia
"Of course, I cannot complain that I don't get enough chance to meet with the press....." kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-88, May 18,
2011
:: Russian election season opens as Medvedev gives huge press conference
The election question was the fourth to come up and Medvedev himself said he was expecting it to be first; but Medvedev moved quickly on to dodge the issue ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-88, May 18,
2011
:: Poor turn out for opposition rally
Rallying for fair and free elections is a change of tack ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News; JRL 2011-88, May 18,
2011
:: All Russia People's Front Dangerous For One Russia Party - Pundit
Setting up the All-Russia People's Front is dangerous for the One Russia party, head of the Russian University, political analyst Gleb Pavlovskiy has said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-88, May 18,
2011
:: Medvedev's Business Talk: Despite Expectations, President Dmitry Medvedev Did Not Use Skolkovo as an Economic Platform for Re-Election
In his first ever question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Medvedev gave little real-time insight into how he hopes to push through his economic objectives during the remainder of his first term as president ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Russian President Says Right Cause May Succeed In Next State Duma Election
Medvedev believes that the Right Cause party's presence in the State Duma would boost the representation of right-wing, conservative circles, and will be generally beneficial ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Much Ado About Nothing: Medvedev Flexes His Presidential Muscles but Demurs about His Political Future
Medvedev frustrated expectations that he would give an announcement on whether he would be running in the 2012 elections ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-89, May 19,
2011
:: Putin prepares his return to the Kremlin: Putin Opts For Staging a Soviet-Style Election Campaign
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has given the torpid election campaign in Russia an all too familiar direction with the suggestion, or rather the order, to build the Russian Popular Front ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-87, May 17,
2011
:: Medvedev Questions Power Vertical
Medvedev made a series of statements Friday that could be construed as jabs at Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, although the phrasing was vague enough to pass for an ordinary pre-election speech ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Medvedev Keeps Distance From Putin's Group
Medvedev's comments were his first on plans for the All-Russia People's Front to rally interest groups around the ruling party since Putin announced it at a party conference last Friday ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Outcome Of Next Russian Elections Undecided, No Party Dominant - Medvedev
Medvedev said that the setting up of the People's Front "is only the beginning of the political season" ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Medvedev Distances Itself From Popular Front - Pavlovsky
In recent statements, Medvedev has effectively distanced himself from the idea of Putin creating the Popular Front ... Interfax; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Has the Putin-Medvedev war begun for real?
Medvedev's comments follow a series of incidents in which the president appeared to criticize Putin over Khodorkovsky and Libya ... Interfax; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Why Is Putin Destroying Just Russia and Forming a People's Front for United Russia?
Putin's Popular Front idea is a throwback to a similar political set-up in some former members of the Soviet bloc in Eastern Europe, most notably in East Germany where Putin worked as a KGB agent ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff, Elena Miskova, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Communists Agree With Medvedev Cautioning Against Tailoring Power to Specific Person
Medvedev said at a meeting with young parliamentarians in Kostroma that attempts to tailor power to suit a specific person are extremely dangerous ... Interfax; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Most Russians Know Nothing About Days Of Wrath Protests - Poll
Only 2 per cent of Russians are attentively following Days of Wrath opposition protests, while 68 per cent learned about these actions for the first time during the opinion survey itself ... Interfax; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: Electronic Reception Offices' To Enable Russians To Send Messages To President
The Russian president's special electronic reception offices will appear by the end of 2011 in a number of small cities of Russia lying far away from regional centres ...Interfax; JRL 2011-86, May 16,
2011
:: United Russia, Putin Prepare For National Elections
Putin is sending the strongest signals yet that he intends to return to the presidency in 2012 ... Robert Coalson, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Putin Cabinet Endorses Deputy Premier's Son for Farm Bank Post
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's administration approved the appointment of deputy premier Sergei Ivanov's son to replace a first deputy prime minister at a state-run bank, a presidential adviser said ...
Yulia Fedorinova and Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: SRAS Announces Updated Resource on Russian Politics
"As Russia enters a new election cycle, I thought that some of your readers might be interested in the following free resource ..." From Josh Wilson; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Russian President To Choose Questions For His Presser From Internet
Medvedev's press conference on May 18 will be held at the Skolkovo innovation center ... Interfax; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Medvedev says political competition vital for Russia
Putin said earlier on Thursday that Medvedev backed the idea of a people's front ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: One Nation, Two Visions: Observers Across the Political Spectrum Say They See Political Motives Behind Putin's New Initiative
Putin announced the formation of a new Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Opposition Dislike Putin's Coalition Idea As They Lose Popularity - Ruling Party
The leadership of the One Russia party comments on negative perceptions of the idea to create an All-Russia People's Front ... Interfax; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Leading Russian MP Talks Down Medvedev Approval Of Bin Ladin Killing
Russia still has many questions about the circumstances of the killing of Al-Qa'idah leader Usamah Bin-Ladin, the head of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Konstantin Kosachev, said ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-85, May 12,
2011
:: Putin Sets Stage for 2012 Comeback as Leader of Popular Front
Putin may be moving to reassert his control over the presidency next year by creating a broad coalition of supporters under his personal leadership as backing for the ruling party wanes ... Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-82, May 9,
2011
:: Putin's Popular Front Plan Ruse To Save One Russia, Fool Voters - Communist Head
Opposition Communist argued that the only aim of the task set by Vladimir Putin as that party's leader - of uniting various political forces, trade unions, youth and other public associations under the banner of One Russia - is to improve its showing in the Duma elections ... Interfax; JRL 2011-82, May 9,
2011
:: Sergei Mironov's Last Stand: How Far Will United Russia Go to Bring Down A Just Russia?
United Russia is setting up a knockout punch against the unofficial head of A Just Russia, Sergei Mironov ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-81, May 6,
2011
:: United Russia's top official says upper house speaker Mironov should resign
A de facto leader of A Just Russia party, Mironov said on Wednesday it was "obvious" why United Russia was pushing for his resignation ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-81, May 6,
2011
:: Indecision 2012, Kremlin-style
The latest round of mind games over who will run for Russia's presidency in 2012 has officials scrambling to avoid taking sides ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-77, April 29,
2011
:: Medvedev, Putin Have Likely Decided Who Runs For President - Yabloko Leader
It is quite likely that Medvedev and Putin have already decided which of them is going to run for president in 2012, Yabloko party leader Mitrokhin said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-77, April 29,
2011
:: Poll Shows Russians Lose Interest, Faith In Elections
The people of Russia currently show less interest in the parliamentary election due in December than in 2007 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-77, April 29,
2011
:: Most Russians Do Not Believe Rift Growing Between Putin, Medvedev - Poll
More than 55% of Russians believe the rumors on growing disagreements between President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are far-fetched ... Interfax; JRL 2011-76, April 28,
2011
:: See-Through Make-Believe: President Dmitry Medvedev Is Using the Internet to Overturn Russia's Time-Honored Potemkin-Village Tradition
In a nationally televised comment, the Russian president criticized local leaders for erecting a "Potemkin village" ahead of his visit ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-76, April 28,
2011
:: Top Russian Ministers Ordered To Report On Work Of Government Regulators
Putin has made the government's deputy prime ministers personally responsible for the effectiveness of federal supervisory agencies ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-76, April 28,
2011
:: Chaika denies 'war' between prosecutors, investigators
There is no "war over compromising material" between the Russian Prosecutor General's Office and the Investigative Committee, said Prosecutor General Yury Chaika ... Interfax; JRL 2011-75, April 27,
2011
:: Russian parliament in the gap between past and future
"Theories on the future of the Russian parliament as well as assessments of its past have become inextricably linked with current debates on the ways in which the domestic political system should be developed ..." Konstantin Kosachev, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-75, April 27,
2011
:: Medvedev Visit to Dozhd (Rain) television channel's studios
Medvedev makes public statements on range of topics, presented in question-and-answer format ... kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-75, April 27,
2011
:: Could Medvedev Become Russia's Yushchenko?
Last week, Russia's Medvedev said on Chinese state television that he would not rule out the possibility of running for a second term ... Vladimir Frolov, Ethan Burger, Vlad Ivanenko, Alexandre Strokanov and Vitaly Strokanov, Ira Straus, Vladimir Belaeff, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-73, April 25,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin delivers a report on the government's performance in 2010 in the State Duma [Q&A]
Vladimir Putin answers questions of the representatives of the State Duma factions ... premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-73, April 25,
2011
:: Kudrin joins boardroom exodus
Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin has pledged to quit as chairman of banking giant VTB and diamond monopolist Alrosa, becoming the fifth minister in Vladimir Putin's cabinet to comply with Dmitry Medvedev's orders that ministers get out of company boardrooms ... Rachel Miller and Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-70, April 20,
2011
:: Putin to have final word on United Russia party presidential candidate
Putin will have the final word in support of a 2012 presidential election candidate from the United Russia ruling party, lower house parliament speaker Boris Gryzlov said ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-69, April 18,
2011
:: Russian Opposition Leaders Deny Receiving Foreign Grants
The democratic opposition in Russia has not received foreign grants to finance its activities, an activist of the opposition movement Solidarnost (Solidarity) said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-67, April 14,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks to the media following national forum of medical workers
"Let me repeat: neither of us rule out the possibility that either of us may take part in the election campaign. ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-67, April 14,
2011
:: The Putin-Medvedev Ruling Tandem Disintegrates
In Russia, elections are shamelessly rigged and results prearranged by a corrupt bureaucracy, so the nomination of an official candidate is indeed the election per se ... Pavel Felgenhauer, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-68, April 15,
2011
:: Russian Elites Want Preservation of Medvedev-putin Tandem - Expert
Strategy 2020 Foundation Director Mikhail Remezov thinks that Russian elites want to preserve the current tandem, with Dmitry Medvedev re-elected president ... Interfax; JRL 2011-68, April 15,
2011
:: Pundits, Senior MP Comment On One Russia's Support For Putin In 2012 Election
Putin is the preferred candidate for One Russia in the 2012 presidential election, deputy secretary of the presidium of the party's general council Yuriy Shuvalov has said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-68, April 15,
2011
:: Russians Do Not Trust Medvedev's, Putin's Income Declarations - Poll
Nearly 70 percent of Russians do not trust Medvedev's and Putin's claims about their respective incomes ... Interfax; JRL 2011-67, April 14,
2011
:: New Signs of Rift in Ruling Tandem
Putin seemingly lashed out at Medvedev for inhibiting government work by how he sent signals about next year's presidential vote ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-67, April 14,
2011
:: Most Russians See No Rifts In Ruling Tandem - Poll
According to a recent poll, the majority of Russians believe there are no differences between Medvedev and Putin, but the number of those who expect rifts within the ruling tandem to widen has grown ... Interfax; JRL 2011-67, April 14,
2011
:: Russian Federation on the Way toward Final Disintegration, Kashin Says
The process of the disintegration of the Russian empire will finally conclude sometime in the next few years, leaving a scaled-down Russia with a capital in Moscow, according to Oleg Kashin ... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: TRANSCRIPT: Interview by Dmitry Medvedev to China Central Television (CCTV)
"Regarding my relations with Mr Putin..." kremlin.ru; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: European Court Rebukes Law on Parties
Rebuking efforts to sideline Russian opposition parties, the European Court of Human Rights has declared Russia's law on political parties draconian and ruled the dissolution of an opposition party unjustified ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: Apathy at a High Ahead of Duma Vote
The results could prove worrisome to current leaders hoping to win a strong mandate in State Duma elections in December and the presidential vote in 2012 ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: Analysts Note Medvedev's 'Logical' But 'Cautious' Words On Election Bid
In an interview with Chinese TV, Medvedev said that he would soon decide whether or not to stand for re-election ... Interfax; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: Unpopular migalki backed - by migalki-using law-makers
The motorist's biggest nightmare a car with migalka is not about to leave the streets ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: Medvedev struggles to formulate a modernization agenda free from Russia's past: Stalin's Shadow Hangs Over Medvedev's Modernization
"De-Stalinization has emerged as a crucial test for his leadership, but he is clearly failing it ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-66, April 13,
2011
:: Tax declarations show Putin earns more than Medvedev
"Russia is ranked 154th out of 178 states by Transparency International, while the United States is 19th in the anti-corruption group's latest Corruption Perception Index" ... Alexei Korolyov, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-64, April 11,
2011
: Foreign NPOs Push Youth Towards Regime Change - Youth Policy Ministry
Russia's Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Ministry, Interior Ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB), have suggested that foreign non-profits attempt to entangle Russian youth groups in activities aimed at regime change ... Interfax; JRL 2011-64, April 11,
2011
:: Are Medvedev and Putin Forming a Two Party System in Russia?
Last month, three Russian think tanks that claim to advise Medvedev and Putin issued reports warning that Russia's highly-centralized and uncompetitive political system has become a major obstacle ... Vladimir Frolov, Patrick Armstrong and Vladimir Belaeff, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-64, April 11,
2011
:: The power behind the throne
"Who really runs Russia the titular ruler, or some grey cardinal behind the throne?" Tim Wall, Editor, Moscow News; JRL 2011-63, April 8,
2011
:: Surkov: dark prince of the Kremlin
Half-Chechen, one-time aide to Khodorkovsky, sometime novelist and current-day political technician, Vladislav Surkov's life story lacks anything but color ... Richard Sakwa, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-62, April 7,
2011
:: Medvedev Comes Into His Own
"What has gotten into Dmitry Medvedev?"... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-62, April 7,
2011
:: Tall Order: The Kremlin's Drive to Push Through Key Economic Reforms Makes Officials Jittery
The Russian Finance Ministry has been struggling to fulfill Medvedev's order to reverse the decision to raise social taxes starting January 1 ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-62, April 7,
2011
:: A newly politicised Russian public
Although United Russia enjoys a monopoly on power, 53 per cent of respondents told the Public Opinion Fund that they were unhappy with the way things were and 21 per cent said they were prepared to take to the streets on the coming weekend ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: State firms shake-up ordered
Medvedev's radical order to make government ministers abandon their posts at state corporations and remove Sechin from his post as head of Rosneft is being touted as another direct challenge to Putin, but officials and experts have raised doubts ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: Putin's Old Teacher Mines a Fortune
Now a multimillionaire, Vladimir Litvinenko's role in supervising Putin's doctorate has been questioned since 2006, when a think tank scholar demonstrated that key sections of Putin's thesis appeared to have been plagiarized from a U.S. business school textbook ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: Government split over spending
Putin warned ministers against cutting social spending and urged that "linear solutions" were not the answer - a day after President Dmitry Medvedev ordered radical liberalisation measures for the government and the economy ... Anna Arutunyan and Ed Bentley, Moscow News; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: Putin pushes for greater transparency in politicians' expenses
According to Putin, the new measure will improve the quality of government services and create additional barriers to widespread corruption and money laundering, both of which are widespread ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: The world is not guided by interests alone
Yevgeny Shestakov, Valdai Discussion Club host, interviews Alexander Arkhangelsky, a literary critic, essayist, TV anchor and writer about Russian culture and modernization ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-60, April 5,
2011
:: State Board Purge to Start July 1
Medvedev has given Putin until July 1 to start removing government ministers from the boards of state companies ... Olga Razumovskaya, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Medvedev Intervenes in Two Agencies' Turf War
Medvedev has donned the mantle of a mediator in a turf war between the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office ... Moscow Times; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Russian Pundit Says Medvedev's Investment Initiatives Critical Of Government
The pundit believes that Medvedev's firm position was prompted by inertia in the executive branch, which could lead to a substantial increase in social tension ... Interfax; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Medvedev Bid to Oust Officials From Boards Is 'Small Revolution'
Medvedev's order to remove eight deputy prime ministers and ministers from the boards of major state-owned companies is a "small revolution," activist minority shareholder Navalny said ... Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: State Duma Looks to Fine Impolite, Neglectful Bureaucrats
Some State Duma deputies hope $350 is the price for good manners ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Can The Split in the Tandem Be Dealt With?
"Of course, we cannot be certain of the state of play between the two Russian leaders." ... Vladimir Frolov, Vlad Ivanenko, Patrick Armstrong, Alexandre Strokanov and Vladimir Belaeff, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Apocalypse next! Video clip raids Hollywood to spoof next year's elections
Medvedev and Putin's dual control of the country could bring about the apocalypse, according to a YouTube video produced by supporters of the Communist Party ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-59, April 4,
2011
:: Medvedev's Plan to Oust Putin Allies Tests Limits of Power
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev may be risking a power struggle with Vladimir Putin after an aide announced plans to oust Putin allies from some of the biggest state-owned companies ... Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-58, April 1,
2011
:: Split Opposition Holds Two 31 Rallies
The opposition appears to have completed its split, staging two rallies in downtown Moscow, one of which was dispersed while the other ended peacefully ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-58, April 1,
2011
:: That Time of the Month: The Split in the Opposition Protest Movement Has Run Its Course as Rights Activists and Moderates Are Starting to Protest for Free Elections
Over 50 radical opposition protesters led by Limonov were detained in an unsanctioned demonstration in Moscow, while rights activists and moderate political opposition held a separate rally on nearby Pushkin Square ... Tom Balmforth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-58, April 1,
2011
:: Loaves and fishes
Russia's biggest protest marches and rallies in recent years have been on specific, largely economic issues affecting daily life ... Tim Wall, Moscow News Editorial; JRL 2011-58, April 1,
2011
:: Kremlin Turns to Supercomputer for Advice
The Kremlin has ordered the creation of a supercomputer that will provide the next president with policy recommendations based on an analysis of what bloggers write ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-58, April 1,
2011
:: Reduced Social Tax Will Increase Investment, Decrease Evasion
Lowering the social tax is necessary for business growth, will reduce "gray" economic activities and will facilitate more investment, experts and entrepreneurs said ... Khristina Narizhnaya, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-58, April 1, 2011
:: Shuvalov tipped to lead Right Cause
Shuvalov is being touted as a possible leader for the Right Cause party, the first time such a highly placed official has been groomed for a non-parliamentary party ... Natalia Antonova, Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-56, March 30,
2011
:: Article 31 Protesters Set Sights on Vote
Strategy 31 rallies have aimed to draw attention to Article 31 of the Constitution, which grants the right to free assembly ... Alexander Bratersky; Moscow Times; JRL 2011-56, March 30,
2011
:: Putin orders ministers to cut through red tape
Putin ordered his cabinet to speed up the proceess of cutting red tape and bureaucracy and ministers said that lax officials could be fined for making people wait in line too long ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-55, March 25,
2011
:: Russian elections: who needs them?
The final stretch of Medvedev's first presidential term has just begun ... Alexei Levinson, opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-55, March 25,
2011
:: Russia to take final leap into summer time Sunday
Russia puts its clocks forward for the last time early Sunday morning after a presidential decree last month ruled not to revert to daylight saving time in October ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-55, March 25,
2011
:: Queuing in Russia costs $70 million
It costs the Russian population almost 2 billion roubles ($70.6 million) a year to stand in the country's notorious queues ... Moscow News; JRL 2011-54, March 24,
2011
:: Is Aleksei Kudrin's Political Star On The Rise?
Speaking at the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum in February, Kudrin made the case for more open and inclusive elections ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-50, March 18,
2011
:: Democracy for the Chosen: In Russia, One Has to Choose Between Being a Liberal and Being a Democrat
Little by little, the Russian authorities are letting their opinions of the events in the Middle East be known ... Dmitry Babich, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-50, March 18,
2011
:: Russia's Political 'Weaknesses' Curb Growth, Shuvalov Says
Russia's political system has "some weaknesses" that weigh on the economy and hinder growth, said Putin aide Shuvalov ... Lyubov Pronina, Agnes Lovasz, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-49, March 17,
2011
:: Winning without Winning?
Opposition candidates have made strong statements about United Russia's declining prospects in the wake of the elections ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-49, March 17,
2011
:: INSOR Chairman Wants Kudrin, Shuvalov Or Dvorkovich to Head Right Cause PartyINSOR Chairman Wants Kudrin, Shuvalov Or Dvorkovich to Head Right Cause Party
Later Yurgens said it was his personal opinion, and that the party has not discussed the matter ... Interfax; JRL 2011-48, March 17,
2011
:: A Victory In Name Only
As they assessed the results of Sunday's elections, the authorities did their best to put on a brave face ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-47, March 15,
2011
:: Russian NGO Receives Record Number Of Complaints In Latest Regional Elections
The Golos (Voice) association of noncommercial organizations in defence of voters' rights registered a record number of calls to its hotline about violations ... Interfax; JRL 2011-47, March 15,
2011
:: United Russia Wins Regional Vote, But Unconvincingly
United Russia scored an unconvincing victory in Sunday's regional vote, leaving analysts in doubt about whether it could perform better in the decisive battle for the State Duma ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-47, March 15,
2011
:: Russia's political changes seem to be geared in the opposite direction
"[A]ll of Russia's political changes seem to be geared in the opposite direction that is, toward tightening the screws" ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-47, March 15,
2011
:: Regional Elections Cannot Be Called State Duma Election 'rehearsal' - Expert
At the same time, the expert did not rule out that the parliamentary election might be a referendum of confidence in the incumbent authorities ... Interfax; JRL 2011-47, March 15,
2011
:: Putin's Party Fails to Win Majority in Russia Regional Vote
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party failed to gain a majority of the vote in several regional polls, less than a year before parliamentary and presidential elections ... Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-46, March 14,
2011
:: Turnout, Dirty Tricks 'Grow' at Regional Vote
Purported dirty tricks ranged from free moonshine and pop concert tickets to old-fashioned beatings and ballot stuffing ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-46, March 14,
2011
:: In Tver, United Russia Bombards Voters With Billboards
Billboards urging voters to choose the ruling United Russia party lined the streets of Tver on Sunday, but no posters for opposition parties were visible ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-46, March 14,
2011
:: Charity boss says he saw no cash from Putin performance
The man who put Putin on stage for charity is hitting back at claims that his glittering Hollywood-backed gala was all a big con ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-45, March 11,
2011
:: Let the election games begin
With no word of who will run for president in 2012, no open election campaign, pre-election buzz is heating up with publicity stunts, media scandals and trial balloons ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-45, March 11,
2011
:: United Russia in Key Test for Votes
A nervous campaign that saw activists and politicians pelted with farm produce or just simply beaten will culminate Sunday with more than 3,000 regional elections ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-45, March 11,
2011
:: In the Spotlight: Putin Party
Putin declared himself outraged and demeaned at the idea of a nightclub party with semi-naked girls shouting his name ... Anna Malpas, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-45, March 11,
2011
:: NEW BOOK: State Building in Putin's Russia: Policing and Coercion after Communism
"This book argues that Putin's strategy for rebuilding the state was fundamentally flawed ..." From Brian D. Taylor; JRL 2011-43, March 9, 2011
:: Reading Medvedev's Mind
Medvedev's speech marking the decree to free the serfs may have been a hidden protest against Putin's autocracy ... Moscow Times; JRL 2011-43, March 9, 2011
:: Why does the president suggest breaking the law?
"One of the golden rules of politics is that by definition everything that the president says in public should be intentional ..." Nikolai Zlobin, SNOB; JRL 2011-43, March 9,
2011
:: Tsar Dmitry II?
Comparing yourself with your historical predecessors can be a tricky business especially if you're the leader of a country with such an "unpredictable past" as Russia's ... Tim Wall, Moscow News; JRL 2011-41, March 7, 2011
:: Rights Activist Calls on Medvedev to Move From Words to Action
Medvedev's remarks in St. Petersburg addressing civil freedoms could be a claim to a new presidential term, Ponomaryov said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-41, March 7, 2011
:: Putin Palace is sold
A lavish seaside development dubbed 'Putin's Palace' has been sold to businessman Alexander Ponomarenko ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-39, March 3, 2011
:: Russian border guard proposes lifting visas for foreigners
The Russian Federal Security Service's border guard department proposed introducing a visa free travel regime for foreign citizens, amid falling numbers of EU tourists ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-37, March 1, 2011
:: Two Regions' Leaders Dismissed
Medvedev has fired regional leaders of Kamchatka and Karachayevo-Cherkessia, a surprise move that hints of a Kremlin housecleaning ... Natalya Krainova, Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-36, Feb. 28, 2011
:: Duma's Kosachev Rules Out Arab Scenario In Russia But Notes 'Lessons'
Kosachev thinks Russian authorities and society should learn lessons from what the events in the Arab world ... Interfax; JRL 2011-36, Feb. 28, 2011
:: Russia plans universal ID-payment card to cut red tape
Russia plans to introduce a universal identity-payment card for all of its citizens ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-36, Feb. 28, 2011
:: Medvedev's New Search For Enemies
Medvedev made ominous comments that there are outside forces plotting a revolution against Russia ... Moscow Times editorial; JRL 2011-35, Feb. 25, 2011
:: Waiting for Putin
Sergei Kvitko just wanted Vladimir Putin to fix his gas ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-35, Feb. 25, 2011
:: Mixing up camels and bears
The world scrambles to keep up with rapidly developing protests and revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa, as politicians and business analysts examine Russia ... Tim Wall, Moscow News; JRL 2011-35, Feb. 25, 2011
:: Only Honest Elections Can Save Russia From Middle East Unrest - Communist Leader
Zyuganov warns that if upcoming regional elections are not honest and fair, Middle East-style popular uprisings could happen in Russia ... Interfax; JRL 2011-35, Feb. 25, 2011
:: Kudrin Promises the Return of Putin the Reformer
The main political sensation in Russia this week is Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin's statement that Russia needs fair and honest elections that would grant the authorities a mandate for executing difficult economic reforms ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-34, Feb. 24, 2011
:: Kremlin Sees Peril in Arab Unrest
Medvedev argued that the latest revolts in the Arab world were instigated by outside forces that were also scheming to topple the authorities in Russia ... Nabi Abdullaev, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-34, Feb. 24, 2011
:: Kudrin sets out his cuts agenda
Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin shook up the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum on Friday with unprecedented comments that criticised both the government's overspending and its monopoly on politics ... Oleg Nikishenkov, Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-32, Feb. 22, 2011
:: "Russia cannot go on like this"
Prominent Russians of varied political hue presented a daring open letter to Medvedev ... opendemocracy.net; JRL 2011-32, Feb. 22, 2011
:: Gorbachev 'ashamed' of the elite
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has said he is "ashamed" of the ruling elite and warned Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to take care that the mass protest that toppled Egypt's Hosni Mubarak aren't repeated in Russia ... Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-30, Feb. 18, 2011
:: The Price of Development
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Has Ordered Experts to Rework the Country's Long Term Socio-Economic Development Strategy, but Critics Say It's a Mission Impossible ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-30, Feb. 18, 2011
:: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with the heads of expert groups to discuss Russia's socio-economic development strategy through 2020
"We all know that parliamentary elections will be held later this year and that the presidential elections are scheduled for March of next year ..."
premier.gov.ru transcript; JRL 2011-30, Feb. 18, 2011
:: Putin Manages His Brain Trust
Putin has issued guidelines to experts recruited to generate ideas for post-crisis development ... Anatoly Medetsky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-29, Feb. 17, 2011
:: Is Russia ripe for a Twitter revolution?
"But an increase in Internet dissent does not necessarily mean an Egypt-style revolution is on the horizon ..." Natasha Doff, RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-29, Feb. 17, 2011
:: Interview: Criticizing Russia's Ruling Tandem, Gorbachev Calls For Democratic Revival
Gorbachev says he is "ashamed" of a system in which the two leaders agree who will head the country without the participation of the population
RFE/RL; JRL 2011-28, Feb. 16, 2011
:: Kremlin appoints caretaker for Moscow votes ahead of December elections
Putin asked Sobyanin to lead the regional branch of the ruling Untied Russia party into December's parliamentary elections ... BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-28, Feb. 16, 2011
:: Putin calls for public debate on Strategy 2020
Russia's development strategy through 2020 should be finalized, Putin said ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-28, Feb. 16, 2011
:: Stalin Demands Democracy
Dozens of opposition politicians claim that Russia's ruling party is blocking them from running in regional elections ... Tom Balmforth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-26, Feb. 14, 2011
:: How is Tunisia Perceived in Russia? The Dangers of Modernization
Did the plight of the Tunisian and Egyptian leaderships teach the Russian leadership a lesson or two? ... Dmitry Babich, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-26, Feb. 14, 2011
:: Can De-Stalinization Save Russia?
Medvedev has approved a program for commemorating victims of totalitarianism and Stalin's terror, giving a green light on an official, government-sponsored campaign of de-Stalinization ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff, Alexandre Strokanov, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-26, Feb. 14, 2011
:: Growing Nationalism Reflects Russians' Sense Their Country is Going in the Wrong Direction, Gudkov Says
Nationalist sentiments among Russians as measured by expression of support for the slogan "Russia for the [ethnic] Russians" have reached 58 percent, tying the previous high of a decade ago ... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-26, Feb. 14, 2011
:: Medvedev Defends Dream of Unified Nation
Medvedev called for redoubling efforts to hammer out a unified Russian nation and proposed creating new bureaucratic bodies and stepping up punishment for ethnic crimes ... Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-26, Feb. 14, 2011
:: Fake Conflict And Real Risks: The Tandem's High-Wire Act
"I have recently come to the tentative conclusion that Putin and Medvedev are actually on the same page and that Plan A at this point is for the tandem to remain in place ..." Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-22, Feb. 8, 2011
:: Giving the word to Nemtsov
Putin has given the green light for liberal opposition leaders such as Nemtsov to appear live on national TV ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-22, Feb. 8, 2011
:: Liberal Party Mulls Registration
Leaders of the Party of People's Freedom were adamant Monday that even if chances were slim, it was vital to file for registration to establish political credibility ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-22, Feb. 8, 2011
:: Palatial Denial: Russia's Version of Wikileaks Was Hit by Sustained Hacker Attacks After Publishing Alleged Photos of Putin's Secret Holiday Retreat
A top Kremlin official has dismissed speculation in the Russian mass media that the ruling tandem has over two dozen lavish palaces and dachas ... Tom Balmforth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-22, Feb. 8, 2011
:: Transcript: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the Channel One headquarters at Ostankino TV centre in Moscow
"In the news, Mr Putin, the topic besides Egypt that has certainly dominated the last two weeks is the terrorist attack at Domodedovo ...
premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-20, Feb. 4, 2011
:: Transcript: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the Channel One headquarters at Ostankino TV centre in Moscow [Part II]
Continuation of transcript ... premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-21, Feb. 7, 2011
:: Moscow court considering opposition's defamation lawsuit against Putin
Moscow's Savyolovsky Court hearings on a libel lawsuit against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin filed by opposition figures Boris Nemtsov, Vladimir Ryzhkov and Vladimir Milov ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Putin's Feet of Clay
The million-strong protests in Egypt demanding that President Hosni Mubarak step down and last month's uprising in Tunisia serve as important reminders to the Kremlin of how vulnerable an autocracy is to a coup ... Moscow Times; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Experts Discuss Why Russians aren't in Revolt
The spread of political protests in the Middle East and increasing problems inside Russia including corruption, income differentiation and official arbitrariness have prompted ever more Russian analysts to ask why is it that Russians are not going into the streets more often and revolting ... Paul Goble,
Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Declassification of Russian Archives Irrational - Official
Russia's existing procedure for declassifying document archives is unacceptable and absurd, the chairman of the presidential council for human rights, Mikhail Fedotov, said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Democracy takes a step back in 2010
All in all, a pretty poor showing for countries in transition that are supposed to play an important part in the global growth story over the next few years ... Ben Aris in Moscow, BusinessNewEurope; JRL 2011-18, Jan. 31, 2011
:: Medvedev Interview to Bloomberg Television in Davos
"You want to turn Russia into a modern country ... What's missing?" kremlin.ru transcript; JRL 2011-18, Jan. 31, 2011
:: Are There Lessons to Be Learned for Russia From the Events in Tunisia?
Events in Tunisia, during which President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, in power for 23 years, fled from the first popular uprising in an Arab country, have sparked debate and speculation on whether there could be lessons for Russia's ruling tandem and the Russian opposition ... Vladimir Frolov, Patrick Armstrong, Vladimir Belaeff, Edward Lozansky, Alexandre Strokanov, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-18, Jan. 31, 2011
:: Russian Poll Shows Most Muscovites Pleased With Sobyanin
Results of a telephone survey conducted by VTsIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Centre) in Moscow in November 2010 among 1,000 people ... Interfax; JRL 2011-18, Jan. 31, 2011
:: Opening address by Dmitry Medvedev to the World Economic Forum in Davos
"The President spoke about his views of the situation in Russia and the world ... " Kremlin.ru transcript; JRL 2011-17, Jan. 28, 2011
:: Deputies 'Cheated' On Police Reform
The Duma's Security Committee on Thursday recommended dropping dozens of the 560 amendments submitted to the bill on police reform ahead of a general vote on Monday ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-15, Jan. 21, 2011
:: Moscow allows human rights activists to rally on Jan. 31
City authorities granted permission for 1,000 people to rally on Triumfalnaya Square at the end of January, despite a request for 1,500 people to take part ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-15, Jan. 21, 2011
:: Closing the Feeder Trough: New Laws Could Kick Corruption Out of Public Procurement
Russia's federal procurement system a multi-billion dollar program that issues about ten million contracts worth five trillion rubles ($167 billion) annually has been criticized for inconsistencies in law and policies which left it open to abuse by canny officials ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-15, Jan. 21, 2011
:: Presidential aide links poor investment climate to corruption
Russia's poor investment climate is a result of rampant state corruption, excessive red tape and an inefficient judicial system, a Russian presidential aide said ... RIA Novosti, JRL 2011-15, Jan. 21, 2011
:: Excerpts from Medvedev speech at meeting with members of Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation
"Five years is a sufficiently long time and we should not just summarise results ... but also to identify new challenges the Chamber could tackle ..." Kremlin.ru transcript; JRL 2011-15, Jan. 21, 2011
:: Russian minister says more needs to be done to help migrants integrate
Russian Culture Minister Aleksandr Avdeyev believes that migrants need to be afforded social protection, noting that the migrant problem had been neglected and hasn't been addressed in decades ... Interfax; JRL 2011-14, Jan. 20, 2011
:: Russian pundit takes Kremlin's side on ethnic policy
Defining the role of the Russian people in maintaining inter-ethnic peace is an important factor in national policy, head of the Effective Politics Foundation Gleb Pavlovskiy said ... Interfax; JRL 2011-13, Jan. 19, 2011
:: Putin's Repressive Policies Leading Russia toward 'Big Blood,' Opposition Leaders Say
Vladimir Putin has "chosen the Belarusian path of dictatorship and repression," opposition figures told the media, released after being detained in a sanctioned protest action ... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-13, Jan. 19, 2011
:: Medvedev orders government to cut budget financing from oil revenues
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the government to consider the possibility of halting the financing of budget expenditures through additional revenues from oil and gas sales in 2011 ... RIA Novosti, Jan. 19, 2011; JRL 2011-13, Jan. 19, 2011
:: Presidential aide says 'senseless' to speculate about 2012 elections
Both Putin and Medvedev have hinted that one of them, but not both, will run in the forthcoming elections, and whoever wins will be in office for 12 years ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-13, Jan. 19, 2011
:: Medvedev urges strict public control over incomes of officials
Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday instructed the national Public Chamber to make sure the incomes of state officials match their income declarations ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-14, Jan. 20, 2011
:: A Verdict Against Putin
The Khodorkovsky ruling in itself may not cause a new emigration wave, but it could be the last straw for thousands of talented citizens who have given up hope after 10 years of Vladimir Putin's leadership ... Moscow Times Editorial; JRL 2011-14, Jan. 20, 2011
:: Medvedev to Field Questions Online on Davos Forum Website
Questions are being collected for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to answer on the website of the World Economic Forum in Davos ... Interfax; JRL 2011-14, Jan. 20, 2011
:: Public Probe to Be Made of Dec 31 Arrests of Activists in Moscow
The Public Council at the Moscow city police authority has set up a commission to investigate arrests of opposition activists in Moscow on December 31 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-13; Jan. 19, 2011
:: Medvedev seen as 'vague' on nationalism
Hold onto Russian traditions in the face of cultural clashes, president Medvedev told assembled lawmakers on Monday, as he exhorted Russians to be tolerant but not forget their own culture ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-13; Jan. 19, 2011
:: Secrecy pervades Federal Budget: The Law on Russia's Federal Budget for 2011
The federal budget looks like a pig in a poke, and the budget process in Russia is increasingly reminiscent of a secret intelligence operation ... Vasily Zatsepin, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Freed Opposition Politician: Russia is Becoming Belarus-style Dictatorship
A freed opposition politician is accusing Russian authorities of using dictatorial tactics against opposition figures ... Albina Kovalyova, Voice of America; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Russia is set to revolutionise its identity cards
Russia's big brothers are watching you and with a new electronic ID card they will be able to provide everything you need on a single piece of plastic ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Citizens divided on whether order or disorder has upper hand in Russia
Over a third of the Russian population (38 per cent) have a rather dim impression of the direction in which the country is moving and which tasks the leadership has set for the country ... Interfax; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Expert Calls For Dialog With Radicals Instead of Their Mockery
Dialog with various groups and ethnic communities is the best way to combat radicalism, President of the Institute of Contemporary Development Igor Jurgens said in Komsomolskaya Pravda ...
Interfax; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Putin Should Let Medvedev Run in 2012, Adviser Says
Putin, 58, a former KGB colonel, has continued to wield power as prime minister since handing the presidency to Medvedev in 2008 after the two consecutive terms ... Henry Meyer, Ryan Chilcote, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-12; Jan. 18, 2011
:: Russia needs to know its next president - analyst
After two years of queries about who out of President Dmitry Medvedev and PM Vladimir Putin will run for the top job in 2012, an increasingly radicalized Russia needs a clear idea of what the future holds ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-11; Jan. 17, 2011
:: Medvedev stresses need to 'optimize' Russian political system
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday more changes were needed to improve the Russian political system ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-11; Jan. 17, 2011
:: More Russians ready to vote for Medvedev at 2012 election - poll
The number of those who are prepared to vote in favour of Putin at the presidential election is decreasing - 31 per cent as compared to 36 per cent in September 2010 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-11; Jan. 17, 2011
:: Russian opposition figures not deterred by jail terms
The Russian opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov and Eduard Limonov said on Monday they would continue spearheading protests in Moscow, two days after they were released from prison ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-11; Jan. 17, 2011
:: Two Russian chief editors ask head of police for probe into opposition arrests
In Muratov's view, "secret services used the Moscow police as a 'cover' for dirty political reprisals" ... Interfax; JRL 2011-10; Jan. 14, 2011
:: Playing cat and mouse with Russia's nationalists
Rather than promoting a Frankenstein's Monster of nationalism, as some experts have alleged, last month's response to violent unrest has appeared to show a government largely unprepared to face a grassroots movement that it has never really controlled in the first place ... Anna Arutunyan, Moscow News; JRL 2011-10; Jan. 14, 2011
:: Far east firm apologises after shooting the president online
AlyansTelekom was forced to remove a cartoon shoot-em-up from its website amid claims the target was Dmitry Medvedev ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News; JRL 2011-10; Jan. 14, 2011
:: Russians Overwhelmingly Say They Don't Know Whether Their Country has a Future, Survey Finds
Eighty-five percent of Russians polled by the Levada Center said they have no idea where their country is headed or whether it has a future ...
Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-9; Jan. 13, 2011
:: Russian Bureaucrats to Learn English
The government wants at least 20 percent of federal officials to be fluent in a foreign language by 2020, and is even prepared to send them abroad to study in order to put Russia on a path toward an innovative future ... Alexander Bratersky, Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-9; Jan. 13, 2011
:: Russian president notes media's special role in developing state, democracy
Dmitri Medvedev sent congratulations to those working in the Russian press on their professional day, Russian Press Day ... Interfax; JRL 2011-9; Jan. 13, 2011
:: Sense of Imminent but Unknown Change 'Hanging in the Air' in Moscow, Commentator Says
A sense that Russia is once again on the verge of radical but unpredictable change is "hanging in the air" in Moscow, according to a leading Russian commentator ... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-8; Jan. 12, 2011
:: Medvedev Details State Downsizing
President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the government to oversee a 20 percent reduction of federal public servants, a move that could cost more than 100,000 officials their jobs ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-8; Jan. 12, 2011
:: Russia's ruling party backs draft to introduce joint elections
Russia's ruling United Russia party will vote for a draft which stipulates that local and federal elections could be held simultaneously ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-8; Jan. 12, 2011
:: The Russian Use of Internet: A Virtual Discourse Shapes Reality
If there is one factor to be singled out which influenced Russia in 2010, it is undoubtedly the role of the Internet in social and political life ... Elena Chinyaeva, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-8; Jan. 12, 2011
:: Kamchatka authorities dismiss Cinderella censorship reports
According to the region's ex-governor, officials tried to ban the satirical adaptation of the popular children's story for poking fun at regional and federal officials ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-8; Jan. 12, 2011
:: Have Russia's Rich-and-Powerful Become Tired of Mr. Putin?
Putin's New Year greetings to the Russian people were very short with the rather unusual key point: "I wish all of us to be satisfied with ourselves," which he obviously is ... Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Tandemology 2.0
Whether they like it or not, Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin are stuck with each other ... Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Civil activists organizing new rally on Triumfalnaya Square
Opposition and rights activists will request the go-ahead for a new rally in defense of freedom of assembly on Moscow's Triumfalnaya Square set for January 31 ... Interfax; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Arrests Called Election-Year Warning
A senior opposition activist accused authorities of jailing Boris Nemtsov and five other opposition leaders as a warning to the opposition not to rock the boat ahead of national elections ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: The Khodorkovsky Omen
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a clear and chilling signal on Dec. 16 that the "soft autocracy" of his first decade in power will become more oppressive in his second decade
... Michael Bohm, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Yukos Verdict Tests Balance of Ruling Tandem
Medvedev publicly scolded Putin for declaring that Khodorkovsky belonged in jail two weeks before the actual verdict, then was left red-faced when the judge sided with Putin and delivered a guilty ruling ...
Alexandra Odynova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Russia's pro-Kremlin youth group launches smear campaign against jailed opposition leader
The pro-Kremlin youth nationalist movement Stal (Steel) has launched a campaign against Russian jailed opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, mulling the rumors that the politician had been sexually abused ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Russian ruling party aims to win in all regional polls this spring - official
The One Russia party plans to receive the majority in each of the 12 constituent parts of the Russian Federation where new legislative assemblies will be formed, Boris Gryzlov told journalists ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: Pro-Kremlin party leader dismisses MEP criticism of Khodorkovsky case
Members of the European Parliament moved to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on Russian officials involved in ex-oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky's trial and conviction ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: The bell tolls for Cinderella in remote Russian region
An ill-timed production of Cinderella could be banned amid fears that it tacitly supports plans to change Russia's time zones ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News; JRL 2011-7, Jan. 11, 2011
:: What Will Be The Biggest Surprise for Russia in 2011?
As Russia sinks further into its extended holiday slumber, while the rest of the world returns to normal life, it might be fair to invite our Western experts to ruminate on what is lying in store for Russia in 2011 ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff, Alexander Rahr, Alexandre Strokanov, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-6, Jan. 10, 2011
:: Senior Kremlin official outlines construction, logistics plans for 2011
"Our main priority in 2011 is to complete the reconstruction and construction of the facilities on which work is already under way and not to slow down the pace of work on the facilities under construction for the 2012
APEC summit and the 2014 (Winter) Olympics. At the same time, we will get rid of the property that is not directly related to supporting the activities of the highest state officials"... Interfax; JRL 2011-5; Jan. 6, 2011
:: Deflating Bloated Bureaucracy: Can President Dmitry Medvedev Liberate Entrepreneurs From Stifling Grip of Russian Bureaucracy as Tsar Alexander II Liberated the Serfs?
In his brief, televised New Year's message, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev duly wished all compatriots a happy and prosperous year ahead - but the new year will be anything but happy or prosperous for thousands of state bureaucrats who may be about to receive pink slips. In one of his first decrees in the New Year, the Russian president on Monday ordered a 20 percent cut in the country's bloated bureaucracy over the next three years ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-4; Jan. 6, 2011
:: Head of Kremlin Human Rights Council: Law on Rallies, Demos Needs Changing
The arrests of activists who have been demonstrating outside a jail in Moscow where opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov, Ilya Yashin, Eduard Limonov and Konstantin Kosyakin are being kept in custody provide evidence that the law needs changing, Mikhail Fedotov told Interfax ... Interfax; JRL 2011-3; Jan. 5, 2011
:: Russia at Risk of Disintegration within 25 Years, Zlobin Says
The Russian Federation runs the risk of falling apart sometime within the next quarter century if Moscow fails to do away with its non-Russian republics or alternatively tries to do away with those territorial units in an incautiously rapid way, according to a leading Moscow analyst.... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-2; Jan. 4, 2011
:: What lies in store in 2011
Some plans for 2011 are already taking shape, and there will be some important anniversaries. From Duma elections to 20 years of Russian democracy, to a re-opened Bolshoi, here are some things to look out for ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News; JRL 2011-2; Jan. 4, 2011
:: Russia to Reduce Number of Government Officials 20% by 2013
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree to cut the number of federal-government employees by at least a fifth through 2013 ... Denis Maternovsky, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-1; Jan. 3, 2011
:: Putin's Return to Presidency Wouldn't 'Automatically Solve Anything,' Dugin Says
... Putin, Dugin says, faces "a serious problem the context [within which he must act ] has changed, but the forms of his political thought have remained the same." In short, he has not adapted, and that in turn means that Putin is simply marking time, something that does not work to his benefit as Russia continues to evolve.... Paul Goble, Window on Eurasia; JRL 2011-1; Jan. 3, 2011
:: Vladimir Putin wishes government pool journalists a happy new year and answers their questions at the government press centre
... Question: Economic results were reviewed today, and looking ahead... What would you say to a possible transition in the future to a free-floating rouble? When do you think that may happen? ... premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-1; Jan. 3, 2011
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