Thursday, 22 December 2011In an apparent attempt to stem rising public discontent with the ruling elite, President Dmitry Medvedev has called for a comprehensive reform of Russia's political system, including a resumption of the direct election of regional governors.
Medvedev's comments in his annual state-of-the-nation speech came as the country braces for a mass antigovernment protest in Moscow on December 24 that are expected to attract tens of thousands of demonstrators.
"I propose a comprehensive reform of our political system. I would like to say that I have listened to those who have been speaking about the need for changes and I do understand them," Medvedev said.
"We need to give all active citizens the legal chance to participate in political life."
Russia's political elite has been on the defensive since allegations of mass voter fraud in the State Duma elections on December 4.
The ruling United Russia lost a quarter of its seats in those elections but managed to maintain its majority in parliament. Opposition leaders and independent election monitors say the party only managed to retain control of the Duma by fraud.
An estimated 40,000 protesters turned out in downtown Moscow on December 10 for the largest anti-Kremlin demonstration since the early 1990s and at least that many are expected for another rally on December 24.
'Democracy, Not Chaos'
In addition to restoring the direct election of governors -- which Vladimir Putin abolished in 2004, when he was president -- Medvedev also proposed a series of other reforms.
He suggested reducing the number of signatures required for candidates to participate in presidential elections as well as easing the rules for registering political parties. He also proposed having half of the State Duma elected in single-mandate districts. Currently, the entire Duma is elected by party list.
it was unclear when the proposed changes would be enacted.
Saying Russia "needs democracy, not chaos," Medvedev acknowledged the rights of protesters, but added that attempts to sow unrest would not be tolerated.
"The right of people to express themselves by all legitimate means is guaranteed, but attempts to manipulate the citizens of Russia, mislead them, incite social discord in society, is unacceptable," he said.
And echoing earlier allegations by Putin that the protesters were incited by foreign powers, particularly the United States, Medvedev warned against outside attempts to meddle in Russia's affairs.
"We will not let provocateurs and extremists involve society in their adventures, and will not allow foreign interference in our internal affairs," Medvedev said.
The state-of-the-nation speech was Medvedev's last as president.
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Thursday, 22 December 2011
RFE/RL
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