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04.10.2009 Russian Politics in Review September, 2009 The following resource is meant to quickly introduce the reader to political issues in Russia with a focus on politics impacts life in Russia and to what extent the political field can be cause diverse or reflective of the population. 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.   Medvedev Address to Schoolchildren President Medvedev addresses schoolchildren on the beginning of a new school year, speaking about the multi-ethnic heritage of Russia and how Russia has shaped world history. Reports: Medvedev wants to meet US 'dissidents' Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says he would like to meet with "dissidents" when he visits the U.S. Russian news sources indicate that Medvedev believes there are dissidents in the U.S. The Excerpts from Dmitry Medvedev's Article, Go Russia! President Medvedev speaks about Russia as it exists today, and the issues it faces as it trys to reinvent itself from the Soviet era in terms of societal changes. Russia not yet in sustainable recovery: Medvedev President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday it was too early for Russia to scrap stimulus measures, even if signs of recovery from the country's worst economic crisis in a decade were beginning to appear. Medvedev orders swift anti-alcohol controls Russian President Dmitry Medvedvev on Friday gave his officials three months to enact tough restrictions to try and curb alcohol abuse. The restrictions are likely to be seen as unpopular, in a country where drinking in public is widely accepted. Opinions split over Russian leader's article in popular online daily The article by Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev headlined ""Go, Russia!"" published in a popular online daily Gazeta.ru (http://www.gazeta.ru) on 10 September has received scathing comments in the blogosphere. Officials and political scientists interviewed by Russian news agency RIA Novosti on the same day, on the contrary, gave favourable reviews. Terrorists Must Be Dealt With ""Unceremoniously"" – Medvedev Terrorists must be fought unceremoniously and must be eliminated without any emotions or hesitation, for otherwise we will not be successful, Medvedev said addressing the participants at a conference. Beginning of Meeting with Valdai International Discussion Club Participants During a question and answer session at the Vladai International Discussion Club, President Medvedev answers questions regarding communication, Russian policy, and the future of the country. Speech at Meeting with Leadership of United Russia Political Party President Medvedev speaks about the appoint of new governors and changes that he is proposing to the process for the future. Putin risks becoming ""new Brezhnev:"" Medvedev aide Vladimir Putin, Russia's most powerful politician, risks becoming a decaying Soviet-style leader like Brezhnev if he runs again for president in 2012, a key adviser to President Dmitry Medvedev told Reuters. Interview with CNN President Dmitry Medvedev speaks with CNN about being the President of the Russian Federation. Topics mainly include how Russia should react to Iran and its nuclear program. Interview for the Swiss Media President Dmitry Medvedev answered questions from Swiss media about relations with the country, the current political situation in Russia, and Russia's image abroad.   Opposition Russian Parties Say Shut Out Of Moscow Duma Election Some political party candidates for the Moscow Mayor's position were not allowed on the ballot, after the city Duma decided that some of the required signatures had been "falsified." Russian Opposition Has Failed To Take Advantage Of Economic Crisis – Pundits The economic crisis has not reduced the level of internal political stability in the country and has not given rise to an increase in the activities of the opposition, think Russian political scientists. Communists Face Obstacles in Elections The CPRF is facing obstacles in Moscow to hold a regular canvassing campaign ahead of the Moscow city duma election scheduled for 11 October.   Commentary A Powerless Parliament On Monday, few people paid attention to the first meeting of the State Duma of the Russian Federation following the summer recess, except the deputies themselves. The Parliament has long ceased to play the central role in Russian politics that it did in the early 1990s. Instead, it has grown ever more detached from the country's real concerns. Kremlin aide sees Russia oligarchs loosening grip The global financial crisis will loosen the grip of a small business elite on Russia's economy and force the pace of modernization and reform, a top Kremlin aide indicated. Russian Public Chamber members report rights abuses by Moscow city hall The rights of the people of Moscow and Moscow Region to the freedom of conscience and the freedom of speech are often violated, says a study presented by Russian Public Chamber members Vladislav Grib and Aleksandr Brod at the Moscow mayor's office on Tuesday (22 September). ROAR: Public vaguely aware of the Public Chamber. (press review) The Russian president will develop his strategy for strengthening civil society by filling his quota in the Public Chamber with "new faces," the media and analysts predict. The Public chamber was founded as a way to encourage communication between citizens and higher levels of government, which some argue it has not fulfilled.   Putin Democracy weak in former Soviet republics - Putin Democracies in former Soviet republics are still weak, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday. Democracies in our [post-Soviet] countries are weak, the political systems are not solid and the legal foundations are distinctly undetermined, Putin said at a news conference in Poland. Russia's Putin says not yet decided on 2012 election Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday said he had not yet decided whether to run for president in 2012 when Dmitry Medvedev's current term ends. Putin offers condolences on anniversary of September 11 attacks Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conveyed a message of condolences on Friday to the United States on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Speaking at a meeting of the Valdai discussion club outside Moscow, the premier said: ""This is the date on which the United States and the whole world was hit by a terrible tragedy, the terrorist attack on the U.S., which resulted in great loss of life. We, as we did several years ago, mourn these victims."" Putin Meets with sixth Valdai Discussion Club Prime Minister Putin's opening remarks, regarding the security of Russia and other countries, and the world's need to unite to fight terrorism. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke at the 8th International Investment Forum in Sochi Prime Minister Putin's speaks about Russia and the current economic crisis - indicating that it would be wrong to believe that the worst is over, and that Russia must continue to work on the systemic issues that caused the crisis.   Regions Russia's one-factory towns struggle to survive Many of Russia's rural towns – where often a single company employs everyone – are struggling to survive. Back in the Soviet days, these towns were booming due to the idea of collectivism, but with a new capitalist economy, many are struggling to compete. Kadyrov monument dismantled overnight in Chechnya A monument dedicated to Chechnya's first President Akhmad Kadyrov was dismantled in the early hours of Thursday in the Russian republic's capital, Grozny, a RIA Novosti correspondent said.     Study Politics in Russia The Library: Politics in Russia SRAS Resources for Teachers   Find out more! SRAS Travel Services More Study Abroad Programs Internships in Russia Heath and Safety in Russia The SRAS Newsletter Journal for Students More Free Resources!  Questions or comments? Contact the editor « back to News archive print this page email this page