Russian legislative "elections", 2007

[Middle-aged Europe]

I had heard he was planning on greatly increasing the power of the PM before he left office next year. And isn't he backing some random schmuck for President who'd basically make the perfect puppet? I think we've figured out his little plan.

1. So far Putin hasn't officially backed someone for the presidency. Yesterday, I read somewhere that "United Russia" is planning to endorse a presidential candidate on December 17. In the last weeks and months, most bets were on current PM Zubkov, who was a totally unknown and obscure figure until he was appointed prime minister by Putin a few months ago. With 66 years, Zubkov is also considered to be relatively old (which actually makes it more likely for him to be Putin's stooge/successor... weird country).

Yea, that's the guy I was thinking of.

Yes, but prior to Zubkov's rather surprising ascension to the premiership, everyone had assumed that either Ivanov or Medvedev would become Putin's succesor. So, Zubkov will become Russia's next president... unless Putin changes his mind again. Assessing what Russia's current leadership has in mind is almost as hard as during the old Soviet days.

[Jake]

One other interesting "result": In addition to 99% of people in Chechnya voting, 99% voted for United Russia. Isn't that a little odd considering Putin's whole "Let's bomb the Chechens!" campaigns?

Voting and voted should be " " as well.

And if by "a little odd" you mean "almost dead on proof that this "election" was a farce", yeah, I'd agree.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Sarkozy congratulates Putin on election victory:

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=33282

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20071204/tpl-uk-russia-vote-eu-87aac06_1.html

[danny]

One other interesting "result": In addition to 99% of people in Chechnya voting, 99% voted for United Russia. Isn't that a little odd considering Putin's whole "Let's bomb the Chechens!" campaigns?

I thought that Putin would at least try to hide the rigging, this makes it completely obvious.

[ag]

One other interesting "result": In addition to 99% of people in Chechnya voting, 99% voted for United Russia. Isn't that a little odd considering Putin's whole "Let's bomb the Chechens!" campaigns?

I thought that Putin would at least try to hide the rigging, this makes it completely obvious.

Chechnya is not really under Putin's direct control - Russia is merely providing a military occupation force in support of a local goon.  Furthermore, a manifestation of force is essential there: you can either "get" 99% there, or nothing.

[Silent Hunter]

One other interesting "result": In addition to 99% of people in Chechnya voting, 99% voted for United Russia. Isn't that a little odd considering Putin's whole "Let's bomb the Chechens!" campaigns?

I thought that Putin would at least try to hide the rigging, this makes it completely obvious.

Chechnya is not really under Putin's direct control - Russia is merely providing a military occupation force in support of a local goon.  Furthermore, a manifestation of force is essential there: you can either "get" 99% there, or nothing.

Same difference.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Heard a new rumour concerning Putin's political future today: Russia and Belarus will form a union soon and Putin becomes the leader of that new entity.

Sounds a bit far-fetched but this is what was reported in some German newspapers today.

[The Mikado]

Heard a new rumour concerning Putin's political future today: Russia and Belarus will form a union soon and Putin becomes the leader of that new entity.

Sounds a bit far-fetched but this is what was reported in some German newspapers today.

The Russian-Belarussian Union stories have been out there a while, but I thought they had stalled because Lukashenko had put down unpalatable conditions on the deal?  Maybe he backed down.

In any event, it this happens, it will be one of the EU's first major external crises.  With Russia once again swallowing Belarus, the Baltic states will be very lonely up there, all but surrounded by Russia.  Considering the provocations Russia has already engaged in toward Estonia this year, the question becomes, will the EU stand up for its Baltic members?

[Tetro Kornbluth]

Good article from the LRofB here, even if told from a very left wing perspective and a year out of date on Modern Russia (caution: Long). I'm posting it here as it will hopefully get some attention as it will get none on the articles board.

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v29/n02/ande01_.html