Category: Politics, Government, Protests, Elections

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections

RIA Novosti: Russia Publishes Draft Law Restricting Foreign Land Ownership – Paper

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Foreign Policy, Security, Visas, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Siberian Natural Scenery, with River, Trees, Hills

MOSCOW, November 20 (RIA Novosti) ­ Russia has published a draft law that will bar foreigners from owning or renting land in the country without official permission, a Russian newspaper reported Wednesday. The publication of the document follows reported consultation between government ministries, security services and migration agencies. Experts have warned the move could affect the country’s investment climate. According […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

RIA Novosti: Russian Lawyers Protest Putin’s Court Reform

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of YUKOS trial judge and courtroom staff

MOSCOW, November 20 (RIA Novosti) ­ Russian lawyers criticized the Kremlin on Tuesday in a rare display of public discontent, speaking against a court reform that would abolish what they called the most progressive branch of Russia’s judiciary. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed in July to merge the Supreme Arbitration Court, which oversees business disputes, into the Supreme Court, which […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: MP Pushkov blames “unbridled capitalism” for frequent plane crashes in Russia

Aviation, Drones, Disasters, Economy, Business, Investment, Trade, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Alexei Pushkov file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 19 (Interfax) – State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Alexei Pushkov has blamed frequent aircraft accidents in Russia on the antisocial type of capitalism that appeared in the country under the influence of a liberal economy. “Airplanes tend to crash in our country quite often because the liberal economy generated a special kind of capitalism in Russia that […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Number of patriots in Russia falls by almost 10% in six years – poll

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's

MOSCOW. Nov 19 (Interfax) – Most Russians say they are patriotic but their number is declining year after year, sociologists said. The percentage stood at 78% in 2007; it has fallen to 69% this year, Levada Center told Interfax, presenting the outcomes of regular surveys done in 130 towns and cities in 45 regions. Some 19% of the respondents did […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , ,

RIA Novosti: Russian Patriotism Has Declined Under Putin – Poll

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Vladimir Putin file photo

MOSCOW, November 19 (RIA Novosti) ­ The proportion of Russians who consider themselves patriots has dropped by eight percent since President Vladimir Putin first took office 13 years ago, according to a new survey released by the independent Levada Center pollster Tuesday. Sixty-nine percent of respondents professed to be patriots in the poll held at the end of October, down […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Putin Adviser Sees Political Will to End Greenpeace Dispute

Arctic, Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Environment, Human Rights, International Law, Nonprofits, Activists, NGO's, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Polar Map Showing Permafrost Areas, Adapted From NOAA.gov Graphic

(Bloomberg – bloomberg.com – Henry Meyer – November 19, 2013) Russia is showing “political will” to end a two-month-long dispute over the prosecution of Greenpeace activists after they began to be set free on bail, President Vladimir Putin’s human rights adviser said. “It’s a good sign,” Mikhail Fedotov said in a phone interview today from Moscow. “I hope the same […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Kudrin concerned about expansion of “fake” NGOs created by authorities

Nonprofits, Activists, NGO's, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Alexei Kudrin file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) – The authorities prefer to work with the non-governmental organizations (NGO) they themselves create, Head of the Committee for Civil Initiatives Alexei Kudrin said. “I understand the topic of the so-called ‘fake’ NGOs, when the authorities create quasi NGOs passing those for NGOs and real public opinion. Today we are virtually faced with the practice when […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Who Will Replace Vladimir Putin in 2018?

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin Sitting at Desk

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Vojtech Bohac – November 19, 2013) Although more than four years remain until the next presidential election, the ground is already taking shape and the first noises have been made about who might enter the 2018 race. But President Vladimir Putin will almost certainly win re-election if he decides that he wants to stay put, […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Putin Takes Inputs on Tax Investigation Bill

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Man Placing Stack of Large Bills into Inside Pocket of Suitcoat

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Alexander Panin and Delphine d’Amora – November 18, 2013) While the Kremlin considers possible modifications to a bill that will restore investigators’ power to open tax fraud cases, lobbyists said small businesses and individual entrepreneurs, whose numbers are decreasing, are the ones most threatened by the legislation in its current form. The tempest centers on […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,

The art of Russian politics; Russia’s top politicians­ – including Putin­ – are avid artists, whose paintings and photographs have fetched millions at an annual St. Petersburg charity auction.

Life in Russia, Culture, Arts, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's file photo

(Russia Beyond the Headlines – rbth.ru –  Dmitriy Romendik, RBTH – November 16, 2013) As the chair of Russia’s Upper Parliament and a former governor of St. Petersburg, Valentina Matvienko, is more than just the country’s most well-known female politician. To some, she is considered the best female artist among all of Russia’s politicians. Matvienko’s oil paintings have become regulars […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , ,

Interfax: Matviyenko calls for respect of Russian Constitution

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Valentina Matviyenko file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Russian Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko believes the resources of the Russian Constitution have not been exhausted yet and the issue of changing it should be approached very carefully. “We should treat the Constitution very carefully. We should always remember that this document determines the long-term national development and is far from having exhausted its resources […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,

Putin to give press conference on December 19

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin at Valdai Club 2013 Meeting, Adapted from Screenshot of Valdai Club Video at youtube.com

MOSCOW. Dec 18 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin will give a press conference at noon on December 19, 2013, the Kremlin press service reported on Monday. The venue of the press conference and the admission procedures will be reported later. The accreditation and briefings department of the press service and information department has begun accreditation procedures for the press […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Navalny’s Party Holds Founding Congress for Third Time

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Alexei Navalny Being Grabbed by Police at Protest

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Oleg Sukhov – November 18, 2013) Opposition politician Alexei Navalny formally joined the People’s Alliance party and was elected its leader on Sunday when it held its founding congress. The congress, which was attended by 111 delegates from 48 regions, marked the party’s third attempt to be registered. The People’s Alliance held previous founding congresses […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Changing the Russian Constitution Fraught with Dangers, Experts Say

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Russian Constitutional Court file photo

(Window on Eurasia – Paul Goble – Staunton, November 18, 2013) The Moscow media are full of stories that President Vladimir Putin plans to propose changes in the 1993 Russian Constitution in a message to the Federal Assembly on December 12 and will announce the establishment of a special 90-person Presidential council to consider and draft revisions. But some Russian […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: Demographic situation in Russia among reasons behind U.S. adoption ban – Astakhov

Children, Adoptions, Orphans, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections, United States, U.S.-Russian Relations
File Photo of Russian Orphans with Mr. and Mrs. Dmitry Medvedev

MOSCOW. Nov 13 (Interfax) – One of the reasons why Russia has banned U.S. citizens from adopting Russian children is the demographic issue, Russian children’s rights commissioner Pavel Astakhov said. “We have a demographic forecast: the infant population in Russia will be about 22 million by 2025. And the United States will have 105 [million] by 2025. Is there a […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Moscow perplexed with U.S. demands for review of IOC opinion on Russian gay propaganda law

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections, Sports, Olympics, World Cup, United States, U.S.-Russian Relations
File Photo of Sochi Olympics Banner Near Highway in Warm Weather with Vehicle and Cyclicsts Nearby

(Interfax – November 15, 2013) Moscow has called outrageous the U.S. senators’ demand that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) review its opinion on the Russian law banning homosexuality propaganda amongst minors. “We have paid attention to the letter sent by eleven U.S. senators to the International Olympic Committee president and their demand to review the official opinion of the IOC […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: Russia did not violate intl law by banning homosexuality propaganda among minors – children’s ombudsman

Children, Adoptions, Orphans, International Law, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Russia did not violate international law by imposing a ban on propaganda of homosexual relations among minors, Russian presidential children’s rights envoy Pavel Astakhov says. “Propaganda of homosexuality among children violates commonly accepted principles and norms of international law,” the envoy’s press service quoted him as saying at the international parliamentary forum on ‘Constitution. Democracy. […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Most approved government programs inconsistent with Russia’s budget – auditor

Budget, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Tatiana Golikova file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – The parameters of 40 Russian government programs approved in 2012-2013 are inconsistent with the budget plan for 2014-2016, the chairman of the Audit Chamber, Tatyana Golikova said in an interview published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Thursday. “This refers to 40 state programs approved by the government in 2012-2013, which were laid at the foundation of […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , ,

TRANSCRIPT: [Putin at] Meeting of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Supervisory Board

Economy, Business, Investment, Trade, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin at Valdai Club 2013 Meeting, Adapted from Screenshot of Valdai Club Video at youtube.com

(Kremlin.ru – Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region – November 14, 2013) Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) Supervisory Board. Meeting participants discussed the creation of a good investment climate and the evaluation of new ASI-supported projects. PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Good afternoon, colleagues, Today we are holding our final meeting this year. So I would […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , ,

Pussy Riot’s Tolokonnikova is in Krasnoyarsk penitentiary – watchdog

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Human Rights, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Pussy Riot Members in Courtroom Enclosure, With Man Showing Papers to One While Female Guard Looks On

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, one of the convicted performers of the feminist punk group Pussy Riot, has arrived at a penal colony in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory, a spokesman for the local branch of the Federal Penitentiary Institutions Service (FSIN) told Interfax on Thursday. Her family will be informed of that in due course, he said. “Tolokonnikova’s case […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Putin denies that revision of tax legislation would be a clampdown on business

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin at Valdai Club 2013 Meeting, Adapted from Screenshot of Valdai Club Video at youtube.com

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – President Vladimir Putin has ruled out the possibility of restoring the practice where police were authorized to prosecute violators of tax laws. Putin, who was speaking at a meeting of the supervisory board of the Strategic Initiatives Agency, was referring to proposals for changes to the Criminal Code to adjust it to the 2011 liberalization […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Kudrin: Putin’s tax crimes bill means “major backward step”

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Alexei Kudrin file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Former Russian finance minister Alexei Kudrin, today head of the Civil Initiatives Committee, has slammed as a “major backward step” a draft law to bring back the practice where law enforcement agencies could bypass tax authorities in prosecuting suspected tax crimes. “I support those who don’t consider it correct to empower law enforcement authorities to […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Putin Blasts Officials Over Discussing Disagreement in Public

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Media, Internet, Social Media, Television, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and Moscow Environs Aerial View

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Delphine d’Amora – November 15, 2013) President Vladimir Putin has reprimanded officials for discussing government issues in the mass media and suggested that those who oppose government policy had better leave their posts. The president was speaking Thursday at a meeting of the Strategic Initiatives Advisory Board when he was asked about a contentious bill […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Putin reminds officials of ethics of talking to media

Media, Internet, Social Media, Television, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin Sitting at Desk

NOVO-OGARYOVO, near Moscow. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned it is unacceptable for senior government figures to discuss a planned decision with the media before it has been discussed in government. At a meeting of the supervisory board of the Strategic Initiatives Agency on Thursday, the president of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sergei […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

RIA Novosti: Putin Vows to Eradicate Corruption Regardless of Rank

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Cropped File Photo of Two Men in Business Suits Shaking Hands and Passing Cash

NOVO-OGARYOVO, November 15 (RIA Novosti) ­ Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to fight corrupt officials regardless of their rank or any other factors that may hinder the effort. “We will in the most serious way … continue eradicating this infection regardless of position or party membership,” Putin said at a meeting of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, which is tasked […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: Most Russians see no need to participate in protest rallies – poll

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Moscow Protest file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – The protest potential of Russian citizens dropped considerably in the past eight years and they are more eager to participate in large-scale demonstrations against falling living standards than in those advocating political issues, a poll showed. In 2005 a total of 23% were ready to engage in protest rallies, while only 17% are ready now, […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Interfax: Socio-cultural split in Russia can be overcome – Constitution Court Chairman

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Russian Constitutional Court file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Public accord in Russia is attainable and its legal grounds are the basis of the Russian Constitution, which has considerable potential for legal reforms, Russian Constitution Court Chairman Valery Zorkin said. A number of research publications emerged in the field of Russian social science in the recent years and they allow that Russia has a […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Academics Urge Putin to Stop Staff Cuts at Moscow State University

Education, Academia, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Moscow State University

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – November 14, 2013) A group of academics from Moscow State University has begun collecting signatures in support of an open letter it wrote asking President Vladimir Putin to halt mass dismissals at Russia’s leading university. The letter, published on the University Solidarity website, says that the university’s administration has not received budget funds to raise […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Fewer Russians willing to join protests than eight years ago – poll

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Moscow Winter Protest

(Interfax – Moscow, November 13, 2013) Russian citizens’ protest potential has significantly declined over the last eight years, and their willingness to take part in mass protests against falling living standards is higher than [their willingness to take part in protests] with political demands, sociologists have found. In 2005, the proportion of respondents willing to take part in protests was […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Head of Presidential Administration outlines demands on domestic policy

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and Moscow Environs Aerial View

(Interfax – November 13, 2013) The head of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Sergey Ivanov, on 13 November addressed a meeting with deputy governors who are in charge of internal policy issues. He criticized the regional and local authorities for not sorting out petty local problems so people have to turn to the federal authorities for help, told regional authorities […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , ,

Kudrin’s proposals to reform law enforcement structures to meet serious resistance – political expert

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Alexei Kudrin file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 11 (Interfax) – The concept to reform the law enforcement authorities drafted with the participation of the Committee of Civil Initiatives, headed by former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, is interesting but will meet serious resistance, the Center for Political Technologies First Vice President Alexei Makarkin said. “I think that the concept itself is quite adequate. I suppose that […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Ruling United Russia party replaces its disgraced ideology chief

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Duma Session file photo

(Interfax – Moscow, November 13, 2013) The issues of ideology in the United Russia party will be now overseen by deputy secretary of the party’s general council and a deputy speaker of the State Duma, Sergey Zheleznyak, instead of Andrey Isayev. “By the decision of the presidium of the general council, which met today, our commission for preparing party cadres, […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: Kremlin top official calls for fair, legitimate elections in Russia

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Arm and Torso of Person in Brown Sweater Placing Paper Ballot into Ballot Box

(Interfax – November 13, 2013) The first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration, Vyacheslav Volodin, has called for fair and legitimate elections in Russian provinces and warned regional administrations against creating “artificial competition,” the privately-owned Interfax news agency reported on 13 November. Volodin was speaking at a session with regional deputy governors. “In the realm of politics, anything that […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Interfax: Putin has objectively high ratings – official

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin Speaking At All-Russia Popular Front Gathering

MOSCOW. Nov 13 (Interfax) – The rating of Russian President Vladimir Putin does not decrease and is approximately 60%, the Kremlin said. “If we were to speak about President Putin, then we would say that Putin has an objective rating because they write whatever they want about him in social networks, all liberal media outlets write about him and however […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , ,

Will Russians React to Kremlin’s Unprecedented Prediction of Stagnation Ahead?

Economy, Business, Investment, Trade, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Cash, Coins, Line Graph

(Window on Eurasia – Paul Goble – Staunton, November 14, 2013) In an editorial today, Moscow’s “Nezavisimaya gazeta” asks what may be the key question about Russian social and political life in the next few years or more: will Russians react to the Kremlin’s unprecedented prediction that the country potentially faces decades of stagnation as a result of the government’s […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

TRANSCRIPT: [Putin] Interview to Korean Broadcasting System

Far East, Siberia, APEC, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Map of Asia-Pacific Highlighting APEC Member States

(Kremlin.ru – Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region, November 12, 2013) In the run-up to Vladimir Putin’s official visit to the Republic of Korea, the President gave an interview to South Korean television and radio company KBS. The interview was recorded on November 7. KYUSUN YEON: First of all, I would like to thank you for taking time for this interview out of […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Kremlin should use Soviet staff policies – Russian presidential administration chief

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's

(Interfax – November 13, 2013) The system of staff training in which specialists had supervisors should be revived and every reservist should understand his prospects, Russian presidential administration chief Sergei Ivanov said. “The Soviet Union had very good staff policies. There were certain filters and stages that people went through. I will not deny that these people were supervised, in […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Interfax: Putin isn’t fussed about Forbes’ declaring him world’s most powerful person

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin Sitting at Desk

MOSCOW. Nov 12 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has played down the fact that Forbes’ magazine has declared him the world’s most powerful person. “I’m grateful to the experts at Forbes, but this is what I think of it: one is always uneasy about it because it’s restrictive somewhat, it may put restrictions on your decision making,” Putin told […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,

RIA Novosti: The Many Uses of Monarchy in Russia

History, Soviet Union, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Romanov Family Photo

(RIA Novosti – Konstantin von Eggert – November 11, 2013) Konstantin von Eggert is a freelance commentator and consultant. In 2010-2013 he worked for Kommersant FM radio in Moscow as a commentator and as Editor-in-Chief. Even if he is styled as the “president,” the head of the Russian government’s executive branch is a de facto monarch. Accompanied by holy Orthodox […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

Interfax: Russians happy with life, zest for protest actions on decline – research

Life in Russia, Culture, Arts, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Map of Western CIS/FSU and European Environs

MOSCOW. Nov 12 (Interfax) – Most Russians are happy; nearly two-thirds of them are making plans several months in advance and the number of potential protesters is now minimal, the leading domestic sociological centers said. The Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM), the Public Opinion Foundation and the GfK-Rus Institute for Market Research presented the “Russia Surprises” survey on Tuesday. […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Shuvalov Considers Delaying Rosneft Sale Until 2016

Economy, Business, Investment, Trade, Oil, Gas, Energy, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo Rosneft and Russian Flags Next to Rosneft Banner

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Andrew McChesney – November 13, 2013) The government is considering delaying the privatization of oil giant Rosneft until 2016 or later as it seeks to maximize the price it can secure. Rosneft is scheduled to be privatized in 2015, and a postponement could put a dent in projected government spending. “We will have to discuss […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Former Finance Minister Kudrin Proposes Major Reform of Law Enforcement

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Alexei Kudrin file photo

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Delphine d’Amora – November 12, 2013) Former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin will present a proposal Monday to completely restructure Russia’s law enforcement system through the creation of independent municipal, regional and federal authorities. The reforms were formulated by The Institute for the Rule of Law at the European University in St. Petersburg and anti-corruption NGO […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Putin’s Plan to Merge Courts Criticized by Judges

Corruption, Law, Police, Courts, Crime, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin at Valdai Club 2013 Meeting, Adapted from Screenshot of Valdai Club Video at youtube.com

(Moscow Times – themoscowtimes.com – Ivan Nechepurenko – November 12, 2013) Supreme Arbitration Court judges have lambasted President Vladimir Putin’s plans to merge the legal body with the Supreme Court, saying that the resulting superstructure will be too cumbersome and less independent in administering justice. The way judges will be appointed to the new structure does not “conform with the […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Russian Bureaucrats Should Take Constitution Exam – Top Lawmaker

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) ­ The speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament said in an op-ed published Tuesday that the country’s politicians are too ignorant about the Constitution and that civil servants should be made to pass an exam on it before they can enter government service. “[The Constitution] has ceased to be required reading for many politicians […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , ,

Putin Says Forbes’ Most Powerful Person Title Has Made Him ‘Cautious’

Media, Internet, Social Media, Television, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
File Photo of Vladimir Putin Sitting at Desk

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) ­ Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that being labeled the world’s most powerful person by Forbes magazine this year has made him “more cautious,” his first-ever public comment on the issue. “I appreciate Forbes experts’ opinion, but I personally believe that, first, it always makes you cautious because it limits you a little bit […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,

Zhirinovsky Comments Trigger Outcry Across North Caucasus

Chechnya, Dagestan, North Caucasus, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections, Race, Ethnic, Extremism, Xenophobia
Vladimir Zhirinovsky file photo

(RFE/RL – rferl.org – Liz Fuller – November 6, 2013) Not for the first time, the chairman of the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) and Russian State Duma deputy speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky has incurred the wrath of North Caucasus officials by making disparaging remarks about the region. Speaking on a TV talk show late last month,  Zhirinovsky advocated  […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , , , ,

Interfax: Over a quarter of Russians don’t object to restoration of monarchy – poll

History, Soviet Union, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Romanov Family Photo

MOSCOW. Nov 10 (Interfax) – About 28% of Russian citizens do not object to the idea of restoring the monarchy, said VTSIOM pollster General Director Valery Fyodorov. “Twenty-eight percent of the respondents polled in March supported this idea, or, at least, do not object to it. But no one in this group is an active proponent of the monarchy, as […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

Populations of Former Soviet Republics Have Fallen or Increased Less than Projected in 1990

CIS, Customs Union, Eurasian Union, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Map of Former Soviet Union

(Window on Eurasia – Paul Goble – Staunton, November 10, 2013 – Chart here: http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2013/11/window-on-eurasia-populations-of-former.html) The former Soviet space had 48 million fewer people living on it in 2010 than Soviet demographers in 1990 had predicted for that year, with all 15 of the states having smaller populations than were was projected for them and 10 of the 15 having […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,

Interfax: Prosecutor’s office cannot suspend proceedings of civil cases regarding several NGOs

Nonprofits, Activists, NGO's, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections
Kremlin and St. Basil's file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax) – The Prosecutor General’s Office cannot satisfy the request of the presidential Human Rights Council to suspend probes of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). A letter from Deputy Prosecutor General Vladimir Malinovsky to head of the council Mikhail Fedotov says Russian law does not give prosecutors such rights. “Proceedings in a concrete case can be suspended pursuant to […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , , , , ,

Putin Moves to Re-Establish Nationalities Ministry He Abolished in 2001

Politics, Government, Protests, Elections, Race, Ethnic, Extremism, Xenophobia
Migrant Workers file photo

(Window on Eurasia – Paul Goble, Staunton, November 6, 2013) Apparently operating on the principle that if there is a problem, there should be a government structure responsible for it, President Vladimir Putin is moving to recreate in fact if not in name a ministry to oversee the Russian Federation’s increasingly intense nationality problems. But for the same reasons that […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , , ,
1 … 91 92 93 94 95 … 130