22.05.2008
Russian Politics in Review
May, 2008The following resource is meant to quickly introduce the reader to politics issues in Russia - with a focus on the upcoming elections, political parties, and political personages. This news review is part of SRAS's monthly "obzor" publications. For more reviews, see the newsletter for this corresponding month. To receive the free monthly newsletter and obzori by email, simply sign up. Putin
and his new cabinet as PM Putin Announces New Mini-Cabinet
The new body, called the presidium, will comprise Putin's seven deputies and seven other ministers and meet once a week, in a routine reminiscent of Putin's weekly Monday meetings with key ministers in the Kremlin. Russians Assess Putin's New Cabinet
42.4 per cent of respondents think Vladimir Putin's cabinet will be better than the previous one, while 44.2 per cent think it will be roughly the same. Kremlin's Most Secretive Figure Moves To Cabinet
Putin's choice of former deputy presidential administration head Igor Sechin as deputy prime minister with responsibility for industry, energy, and natural resources sends perhaps the clearest signal that the second age of Putin will be an intensely amplified version of the first. Russia's Role as Putin Builds a Powerful Premiership
Press review of predictions for a Putin premiership. Bill aims to streamline premier's duties before Putin takes over
Russia's State Duma has drafted a bill to redistribute more than one-sixth of government duties to lower bureaucratic organs in a move designed to free future prime minister Vladimir Putin from mundane duties. Madeline Albright on Vladimir Putin
For his entry in Time's "Top 100 Influential People." Tough-Talking Putin Crafted Image His Way
A review of Putin's PR efforts overt the last eight years. Putin holds last conference with Cabinet as president
"I am sure that working cooperation between the Russian presidential administration and the government will be continued and expanded," Putin said. Law Gives Guarantees To Former Russian President
The majority of Russians (60%) believe that «after their resignation, presidents shouldn't have privileges differing from other pensioners», while only 34% hold that «the state should ensure certain privileges for former presidents». Medvedev
Leads mostly Putin allies; Promises reforms Medvedev names key advisers and most are Putin men
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has named his team of close advisers, with key posts going mostly to officials who performed similar roles for previous Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin. Medvedev promotes another Putin KGB ally
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday appointed Viktor Ivanov, once described by the jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky as one of the Kremlin's top hardliners, to head the federal anti-drug service. Medvedev inaugurated as Russia's third president
Dmitry Medvedev was inaugurated as Russia's third president in a glittering ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace in front of some 2,400 guests. Dmitry Medvedev: About myself
A collection of quotes from interview with Medvedev provided by the Kremlin. Medvedev to get Yeltsin's former country residence
Reconstruction is being hastily finished at the country house in Gorki-9, on the highway colloquially known as Rublyovka. The residence is apparently being prepared for Medvedev. Gorbachev Number Two: Dmitry Medvedev
The legions of anti-Western nationalists in Russian politics, culture, journalism and academia will unite against Medvedev as they did in the late 1980s against Gorbachev. Medvedev on corruption and reform Opening Remarks at a Meeting on Fighting Corruption
Dmitry Medvedev has created a new council on corruption that he will head himself. Russia's Medvedev orders clean-up of courts
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered steps to root out corruption in the judicial system on Tuesday and to underline his message a senior judge was disciplined over real estate deals. Russia's Over-Managed Democracy: Does Medvedev Make a Difference?
A panel of Carnegie Russia experts presented analysis of the current state of Russia's political and economic development and the likelihood of continuity or change in Dmitry Medvedev's first term as president of Russia. Medvedev's Russia
As Russia enters a new era uncertain whether it will differ from the old era, experts share their expectations of Russia's new president. Mr. Medvedev's Rule
Is Russia's new president serious about ending 'legal nihilism'? Hard Tasks Lie Ahead for Protégé in Russia
The policy challenges are unenviable, even if Russia has recovered from its severely weakened state. Mr. Medvedev faces steeply rising inflation, an outsize bureaucracy, pervasive corruption, a weak judicial system and a population decline fueled by a low birthrate, substandard health care and poor public health. Medvedev's 'difficult mission'
Press review of Russian papers' takes on their new president. Take heart from the city that shaped Medvedev
If Medvedev remains true to his mentor, Sobchak's legacy will be not just to his city, but his nation. "Clan Warfare"
Are the siloviki dead? Observers Debate Whether the Siloviki Have Won or Lost
The general consensus about the personnel changes in the Kremlin administration and cabinet of ministers is that the reshuffle has meant a weakening of the so-called siloviki. A Lineup Aimed at Taming Siloviki
"It was dangerous to leave Medvedev among all those fighting siloviki. This is why Putin had to sit in the prime minister chair for a while." The Clanfather: Meet The New Boss
This isn't a battle between good liberals and bad FSB revanchists. "Tandem"
Commentary and Predictions Analysts See Stability in New Government
"The unity of the apparatus has been provided for," he told The Moscow News. "Putin has lent an ear to the concerns of society, who feared that in this scenario a dispute between Putin and Medvedev might be dangerous." Russians See Medvedev as Putin's Puppet
67 per cent of respondents think incoming president Dmitry Medvedev will govern under Putin's control, while 22 per cent say he will act independently. The Constitution And The Two
Struggle between president and prime minister is inevitable for getting full control over the country. Scenarios opened up by today's meagre choice
This new reign of two Tsars will be unstable. But whatever happens, a democratic future is inevitable. How Long Can Medvedev and Putin Share Power?
Press review of the new "tandem." Chechnya
Reconstruction; Instability Is Kadyrov Maintaining Hold On Power?
The recent standoff between his forces and a rival pro-Kremlin clan underscores the volatile situation in Chechnya as it rebuilds from more than a decade of war against separatist rebels. Chechen president vows to dismiss officials who neglect human rights
"Human rights watch is one of my key presidential duties... Those who ignore or do not pay due attention to problems related to violation of children's rights, will not work." Russia's region of 'lawlessness'
A new generation has been born since the last full-scale fighting in the spring of 2000. Chechnya's Capital Rises From the Ashes, Atop Hidden Horrors
The bodies were exhumed and reburied with respect, though with nary a pause in the banging of hammers and plastering of walls to accommodate a forensic study of the basement. Moscow Diary: Chechnya challenge
Russia still has unfinished business in troubled Chechnya - and President Medvedev cannot ignore it. Opposition
Non-Duma parties create "National Assembly" Opposition Opens Parallel Parliament
The National Assembly, the brainchild of Kasparov's Other Russia coalition, is intended as a sort of parallel parliament to the State Duma and will be comprised of delegates from grassroots organizations from across the country. Mr. Limonov on Mr. Medvedev
The leader of the National Bolsheviks weighs in. Kasparov's opposition in check
Dispiriting it may be, but it seems to me that a plausible opposition movement will only gain support if the oil price drops significantly or the problems with inflation reach crisis point. Opposition Out Of Demand
Democrats can return to big politics only in case of being able to suggest new ideas to the society. Galina Stolyarova, Governor Short On Specifics
The speech was slammed by the Communist and Just Russia factions of the assembly for containing an overdose of wishful thinking, lacking consistency and balance, and failing to give details of a credible program of social reforms. How to Be a Civic Activist in Russia - Without Getting It in the Head
A Russian blogger has offered six detailed rules. Other
Future of Nashi; Corrupt Cops Russia's PM sums up outgoing government's work
Under the Constitution, the government should resign before a new president is inaugurated, but will continue performing its duties until a new Cabinet is formed. Nashi: Is It Really The End?
As a new president comes to power in Russia, some are speculating that Nashi's task is done and they're no longer needed. This is perhaps wishful thinking for a host of reasons. Moscow Police Shifted to Emergency Mode of Operation
Actions of extra safety have been taken in Moscow airports for May 19 through 23, when the British fans arrive in the city for the match of the UEFA Champions League. Hobbled NGOs wary of Medvedev
"It's impossible to compete against them, because the only resource we have is our initiative. They have everything else." Trying to Control Russia’s Traffic Cops
Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has developed new rules for traffic police. As the RBK-Daily business newspaper reports on May 19th, the Ministry apparently wants to regulate how its road officers interact with drivers. Putin signs law curbing referendum rights
The restrictions provoked a walkout by the main opposition Communist party faction when it was put to a vote in the State Duma lower house of parliament on April 4.
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