Russia’s Fifth State Duma hasn’t set to work yet. But one thing is clear already, pro-Kremlin United Russia will again dominate in the lower house of parliament.
Photo: Dmitry Dukhanin
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The New Duma to Work in the Old Way
Russia’s Fifth State Duma hasn’t set to work yet. But one thing is clear already, pro-Kremlin United Russia will again dominate in the lower house of parliament.
Vladimir Churov, chairman of Russia’s Central Election Commission, voiced the strength of new Duma yesterday, December 4, 2007. United Russia will have the faction of 315 legislators, the communists have to confine to 57, LDPR - 40 and Fair Russia - 38. But contrary to the previous Duma, the deputies are tied by the rigid party discipline and the ruling party may pass any law, including the amendments to the Constitution, entirely ignoring the opinion of parliamentary minority.
In terms of quality, the Fifth State Duma won’t differ from its predecessor, if, of course, Vladimir Putin doesn’t focus on lawmaking after the end of his presidential tenure. Those in the State Duma, who believe in this scenario, are sure that Putin will be the Duma’s speaker. Should it happen, the authority of parliament would widen materially.
The State Duma is likely to have a new speaker even without Putin. Today’s speaker, Boris Gryzlov, will remain the party’s leader and continue to work outside the State Duma. Another feature of difference will be the number of committees. In the Sate Duma, they intend to have 16 committees instead of the current 28.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Dec. 05, 2007
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