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Main page > Products > Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts - The weekly bulletin > Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts. Issue No (48) 736
Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts. Issue No (48) 736
November 17 - 23, 2008
Main tendencies of political week
United Russia’s congress was the main event last week but it did not produce any big stir as expected. There was no radical modernization of the party (neither structural nor HR), although the vector in this direction was marked. This was likely to be made to ensure political stability, which is becoming the guarantee of the next spurt amid the currently deteriorating economic situation. The entourage of the congress as well as statements by the tandem members during and after the event was aimed at demonstrating stability. On the whole, the task of demonstrating the power structure’s unity was achieved, which was an important message for the elites and population.
Despite of demonstration of unity by the ruling tandem, inside-elite conflicts continued developing last week, although they were rather local and did not pose threat to the political system in general. The most indicative activity was demonstrated by radical siloviki headed by deputy PM Igor Sechin that developed in several directions. In particular, an attempt was made to speed up the process of forming the United Shipbuilding Corporation, which is resisted by the defense ministry that is not eager to transfer part of its assets to the state corporation.
Administrative struggle in the defense ministry went on; this time the clouds gathered over one of its old-timers, logistics service head Vladimir Isakov. Although he does not fit Anatoly Serdyukov’s team, nevertheless he did not stand against the latter’s reformative initiatives, which is likely to ensure some rewards for him even in case of dismissal. It is quite possible that the post of ROSTO head will become such reward. The management of this organization has been under pressure of the defense ministry lately that wants to restore control over it.
Major events November 17 - November 23, 2008
| Event | Winning side | Defeated side | Development Outlooks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Congress of United Russia | Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev |
| Tandem will keep showing coordinated work |
| Dmitry Medvedev meets with representatives of regional mass media | Dmitry Medvedev |
| Fundamental assessment of the situation in the country by the tandem members will not differ substantially |
| Information is posted about soon beginning of reforms in the defense ministry’s logistics service | Anatoly Serdyukov | Vladimir Isakov | Isakov is likely to get sinecure in ROSTO as compensation |
| Defense minister commissions top ministry officials to visit regions to explain the essence of military reforms | Anatoly Serdyukov |
| This step will have a positive effect on the low level |
| Publication of extracts from deputy PM Igor Sechin’s letter to Dmitry Medvedev complaining of actions of defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov | Igor Sechin | Anatoly Serdyukov | The process of creation of the United Shipbuilding Corporation will be accelerated |
| Andrey Yurin is appointed head of the federal fund for obligatory medical insurance | Tatiana Golikova, Viktor Ivanov |
| Yurin will join Golikov’s team |
| Prosecutor General’s Office says it has checked the work of Rosprirodnadzor deputy head Alexey Akulov | Igor Sechin, Oleg Mitvol | Viktor Kirillov | The question of Akulov’s dismissal is likely to be raised soon |
| Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, deputy head of the external church relations department of Moscow Patriarchate, says about the necessity to establish Orthodox public order squads |
|
| It is quite possible that the Orthodox wing of Nashi will join this process |
| Green party decides to join Just Russia | Just Russia |
| This acquisition will have a purely image effect for Just Russia and will not bring more electorate |
| Party of Peace and Unity decides to merge with Patriots of Russia | Sazhi Umalatova, Gennady Semigin |
| Patriots of Russia will continue attempts to play on the Communist Party’s field |
Volume: 15 pages
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