Putin loyalist resigns as speaker
Source: Agencies |
December 15, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
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A LOYALIST to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who served as the speaker of Russia's parliament resigned yesterday, in a move that appeared to be part of the government's effort to stem public anger over alleged fraud in this month's parliamentary election.
Boris Gryzlov had served as speaker of the State Duma for eight years.
Putin has ruled Russia for nearly 12 years as president, then prime minister, and is currently campaigning to reclaim the presidency in March.
However, Putin's authority has been hurt by the December 4 parliamentary elections, which saw his United Russia party lose about 20 percent of its seats and barely retain its majority.
Reports of electoral fraud also led to widespread anti-government protests last weekend. Another large anti-Kremlin protest is scheduled for later this month.
Putin has promised a government reshuffle, and President Dmitry Medvedev said United Russia should share parliamentary positions with other parties.
Gryzlov, who served as party chairman as well as State Duma speaker, announced he will not seek the speaker's job but will keep his party post.
Putin is the leader of United Russia, but not a member of it.
Gryzlov had become an emblematic figure in Putin's "managed democracy" system. The former speaker's famous statement that "parliament isn't a place for discussion" reflected United Russia's marginalization of opposition forces.
Boris Gryzlov had served as speaker of the State Duma for eight years.
Putin has ruled Russia for nearly 12 years as president, then prime minister, and is currently campaigning to reclaim the presidency in March.
However, Putin's authority has been hurt by the December 4 parliamentary elections, which saw his United Russia party lose about 20 percent of its seats and barely retain its majority.
Reports of electoral fraud also led to widespread anti-government protests last weekend. Another large anti-Kremlin protest is scheduled for later this month.
Putin has promised a government reshuffle, and President Dmitry Medvedev said United Russia should share parliamentary positions with other parties.
Gryzlov, who served as party chairman as well as State Duma speaker, announced he will not seek the speaker's job but will keep his party post.
Putin is the leader of United Russia, but not a member of it.
Gryzlov had become an emblematic figure in Putin's "managed democracy" system. The former speaker's famous statement that "parliament isn't a place for discussion" reflected United Russia's marginalization of opposition forces.
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