Yavlinsky's master class sparks buoyant discussion, generates
new ideas
ICEUR's
first master class starring reform economist and opposition
leader Grigory Yavlinsky was held on 26th March, 2010, at
the International Press Club Concordia in Vienna. It was
attended by a select audience including diplomats, journalists,
members of the scientific community and students. At the
beginning of the session which held the participants in
suspense for almost three hours, Yavlinsky analyzed the
current situation in Russia and identified six preconditions
for reform which, in his mind, could lead Russia out of
the present impasse. A successful economic reform, he argued,
was impossible without the realization of property rights,
a functioning local administration, an independent justice
and a new relationship between citizens and authorities.
The ensuing discussion addressed issues such as the upcoming
presidential elections, the outlook for the Russian economy,
judicial reform and the chances for a unified opposition.
Yavlinsky restated his determination not to cooperate with
the so-called “right opposition” since, according to him,
they had pursued the wrong strategies and allied with the
wrong people in the past.
Yavlinsky, who reiterated his conviction that Russia must
seek a new rapprochement with Europe, suggested that a contingent
long-term strategy should be elaborated and in place as
a blueprint for a new EU-Russian relationship.
See also:
The
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