Politics
‘Four and a Half Hours of Banality and Repetition’
Journalists, analysts, and politicians respond to Vladimir Putin’s annual press conference.
Dec 21, 2012 | Continued
Kudrin Calls 2012 ‘Year of Missed Opportunities’
Former Finance Minister and close Putin confidant Alexei Kudrin has named 2012 a “year of missed opportunities” because of the Russian government’s failure to take the opportunity of public outrage about fraudulent parliamentary elections to push through democratic reforms.
Dec 19, 2012 | Continued
Duma May Get Extra-Judicial Right to Fire Deputies
A new United Russia legislative measure is in the works to give the ethics committee the right to revoke deputies of their status simply for making public statements that discredit the State Duma or have an “anti-state orientation.”
Jul 16, 2012 | Continued
Duma Bill Would Re-Criminalize “Libel”
The decriminalization of libel that was passed under Dmitri Medvedev’s presidency could be revoked if a new Duma bill is passed; analysts speculate that the bill is directed at Oleg Orlov and Aleksei Navalny in particular.
Jul 7, 2012 | Continued
Only 15% of Russians Fully Support Putin’s Views
New poll results from the Levada Center show that only 15 percent of Putin’s are in full agreement with their president’s views, indicating a steady decline in support.
Jun 25, 2012 | Continued
Russian Parliament Rams Through Tough Protest Bill
The Russian parliament has passed tough new legislation against protesters despite attempts to filibuster the process; Gazeta.ru presents an infographic explaining the voting process.
Jun 6, 2012 | Continued
United Russia Announces ‘Party School’ for Young Leaders
United Russia has announced the founding of a “party school” to teach “promising young people” party ideology, psychology, electoral campaign technology and other subjects to supposedly help raise party competitiveness and revive the party in general.
Jun 1, 2012 | Continued
Blogger Fined for Hitler Picture Labeled as Russian Foreign Minister
An opposition blogger in Saratov has been fined for posting a picture online labeling Hitler as being in the Russian Foreign Ministry and now fears the ruling will be used to prevent him from running for office.
Apr 19, 2012 | Continued
Medvedev Meets With Russian Opposition Leaders
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev held a meeting with several leaders of the non-systemic opposition on Monday to discuss political prisoners, reform of the country’s political system, and term limits for the post of president
Feb 20, 2012 | Continued
United Russia: Opposition Just Wants a “Fiasco”
United Russia is accusing opposition parties of “rocking the boat” by complaining about expected electoral fraud in the country’s upcoming presidential election.
Feb 14, 2012 | Continued