The Future of Russian Power

by
Patrick Whelan

An article entitled Put in More Flags by The Economist magazine reports that Russian government is going to remain in the hands of the leaders or should I say leader for a long time to come. On May 9th the Russian military held a parade not to commemorate victory in World War Two, but to celebrate the future of Russian military strength. President Medvedv, during the parade made a comment in reference to the Georgia issue. He said, "Among the descendants of war heroes marching in the square are those in actual battle have demonstrated the great fighting efficiency of the modern Russian army." President Medvedev is also attempting to falsify the history of the former Soviet Republics. It may turn out that anyone who questions the official Russian history could face criminal charges in Russia. The President has approved textbooks that portray Stalin as an effective manager of his time and turns a blind eye to his harsh rule over his people at the time.

These military moves and falsehoods committed by the government are in response to the financial crisis. Russia is trying to prove its invincibility in regards to high unemployment and falling incomes and wages of the working people of Russia. Its sad how they are holding a parade on military might when one hundred thousand Russian veterans are without shelter. Even with President Medvedev's harsh statements and actions, a third of Russian people believe Mr. Putin is still in charge, a former President of Russia who is currently Prime Minister with a record of ruling Russia with an iron fist. Prim Minister Putin has indicated that when President Medvedev's term expires in 2012, he would consider running for President of Russia again (two six-year terms). Prime Minister Putin said, "Mr. Medvedev is a very honourable man who would consider his political future according to the country's interest." The Prime Minister is indicating that the power of Russia will be in the hands of he and President Medvedev,who will become boss of the constitutional court when he leaves office in 2012, for a long time to come.