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Main page > Products > Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts - The weekly bulletin > Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts. Issue No (35) 671 Politics in Russia: power, lobby, conflicts. Issue No (35) 671August 20-26, 2007 Main political trends of the weekThe end of the holiday season did not lead to a stirrup of the political life in the country, which can be explained by its high intensity in July and the first half of August, which was not traditional comparing to previous years. Recently, two tendencies have been noticeable around the «successors» race. First, the president has begun to interfere with economy management real-time, which allows him maintain the initiative and keep the supreme arbiter authority. Another tendency is Vladimir Putin’s frequent tours with Sergei Ivanov. Hence, the latter has cemented the «No.1 successor candidate» status. However, in the next couple of weeks the trend may change. With the first of September is just around the corner Dmitry Medvedev may start dominating TV and press with his Education project and this way catch up with Sergei Ivanov. The parties were affected by the outcome of the elections in Kazakhstan, where only one, president-loyal, party got into the parliament, whereas the rest failed to overcome the passing barrier. The idea that Russia may wind up with a one-party parliament was backed by the presidential administration’s homeland policy deputy chief Alexander Kharichev, who said that The United Russia would win the general election with 44% of votes. In the mean time, leader of The Just Russia Sergei Mironov was trying to at least reduce the gap from the main «power’s party» as he continued putting forward clearly populist initiatives that have practically no chances to be authorized. As to government officials, last week it was again reported that Healthcare and Social Development Ministry could be reformed and its head Mikhail Zurabov could be demoted or even fired. Most likely, this rumor is grounded, which may be supported by the resumed law enforcement raids in the firms affiliated with the healthcare ministry. However, Zurabov’s head will roll not sooner than 4-6 weeks before election (general or presidential), for the power to extract the biggest possible profit from the layoff. Another noteworthy tidbit that came about last week was the start of competition for the key jobs in the Investigation Committee that should start working September 6. There are three main players in this standoff – acting head of the IC Alexander Bastrykin, Minister of Justice Vladimir Ustinov, and General Prosecutor Yuri Chaika. The latter’s office last week continued replacing the authority it lost after the IC’s establishment by getting into new spheres. Rotation inside the Defense Ministry continued. Though not yet confirmed, it has been reported that Head of Plesetsk-based space center Anatoly Bashlakov would be promoted and become Chief Commander for Morale & Welfare. However, he may face some serious issues – shortly after this information came about, mass media reported on non-manual relations among the soldiers that guard the space center. The situation around the Russian Federal Property Fund escalated after it faced charges from the administrators of the Federal Bailiff Service of Russia. In this case, the officials involved in the standoff are competing for the vast financial streams from forfeit goods. Finally, mass media spread another «leak» on the soon acquisition of Surgutneftegaz by the state-owned Rosneftegaz that owns the controlling stake of Rosneft. In case the tidbit is confirmed, this will lead to another wave of escalation between Russia Bank clan and the law enforcement and national security high brass for the control of SNG. Major events Aug 20, 2007 - Aug 26, 2007
Volume: 13 pages If you are interested to obtain please contact » Elena Kim Other issues: |
Special report:Nord Stream 2 and Ukraine: Costs Should DecideShale Revolution: Myths and RealitiesLiquefied Natural Gas Outlook: Expectations and RealityAnalytical series “The Political compass”:Political power in Russia after presidential electionState Corporations in the Russian EconomyPolitical Results of 2007: Russia on the Eve of Power ShufflePolitical Landscape Ahead of the Parliamentary Election 2007«Centers of influence» in the Russian politicsLeading Russian corporations and the executive power: interaction methodsForecast of political developments after the presidential election in 2008 |
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